Release from Dillons, all photos courtesy Dillons
HUTCHINSON, Kan. – February 1, 2021 – Dillon Food Stores today announced celebratory plans to mark its centennial year with service to Kanas communities. Throughout 2021, Dillons plans to recognize its principles and values along with customers, associates, and communities that have made the past 100 years (and counting) successful.
“The 100th anniversary of Dillons is a monumental milestone, said Steve Dreher, president of Dillon Food Stores. “In reflecting back, I can’t count the number of times I’ve heard our customers refer to one of our locations as ‘my Dillons’ and it always brings an overwhelming sense of pride. At Dillons, we’ve been a guest at our customers’ tables all these years and has been a privilege to be a part of cherished celebrations, holiday gatherings, and everyday family meals with more time at home. We share our appreciation for our customers’ loyalty in allowing Dillons to be a part of our communities with a rich history in Kansas.”
After his initial venture in selling groceries at his general store in Sterling, Kansas in the early 1900’s, John S. Dillon was considered a visionary when he opened the area’s first Cash Food Market in Hutchinson, Kansas, in 1913. Although the store was slow to catch on, the savings offered for paying cash soon attracted enough customers to make it a viable business. By 1915, Dillon opened a second store, placing his son, Ray E. Dillon, in charge of the original store until joining the Army in 1918. While his sons served in France during World War I until Armistice Day, J. S. Dillon sold his interest to his business partners. Upon their safe return, "J.S. Dillon and Sons Store Co” was opened in 1919 and later incorporated in 1921, a date now celebrated 100 years later. By the end of the 1920’s the company had grown to 15 stores in 10 Kansas communities. Known for cleanliness, friendly, courteous service, and fair prices, Dillons were the most modern and innovative grocery stores in the towns they served.
The business steadily grew over several decades until 1957, when Ray Dillon expanded the company with additional stores in the Wichita market. By 1968, J.S. Dillon and Sons had grown into Dillon Companies, Inc., and began acquiring regional banners across the western and central states, such as King Soopers, City Market, Fry's, and Gerbes, over 300 convenience stores in five states, and Jackson's Ice Cream dairy. Dillon Companies, Inc., merged with The Kroger Co. in 1983 and brought with it two future CEOs: Joe Pichler, who served as CEO from 1990 to 2003, and Dave Dillon, who served as CEO from 2003 to 2014. With this merger, Kroger became a coast-to-coast operator of food, drug, and convenience stores.
Throughout its rich history, Dillons has served as an innovator and pioneer in the grocery retail industry. In 1999, Dillons introduced its Plus Card, offering additional savings and fuel rewards with its then partner division, Kwik Shop, in 2000. Beginning in 2001, Dillons fuel centers were expanded in Kansas to further offer convenience and money-savings to customers. Dillons opened the first of its kind Marketplace in Wichita, KS in 2007, featuring a full-service grocery, expanded fresh perishable sections, and fashionable general and home merchandise all under one roof.
Today, more than 12,000 associates are employed at 80 stores, 2 distribution centers, and 1 corporate office in the Dillon Stores Division spread across Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri with open stores and openhearted hospitality. Dillons offers a store format for nearly every kind of shopper. With small hometown markets, supermarkets, Marketplace stores, price-impact stores, fuel centers and even online shopping with pickup, delivery, and ship-to-home, Dillons proudly serves communities across Kansas.
Associates live its brand promise by helping make customers’ lives easier. No matter how someone shops, Dillons is committed to delivering fresh food at a fair price, simplifying customers’ shopping experiences and meaningfully giving back to its communities through Zero Hunger | Zero Waste. With this bold social impact plan, Dillons is joining its Kroger Family of Stores to end hunger in its communities and eliminate waste across the company by 2025.
In honor of the 100th anniversary, Dillons is pleased to announce it will be dedicating $100,000 from Kroger’s Zero Hunger Zero Waste Foundation specifically to support hunger relief efforts across Kansas. Non-profit organizations are encouraged to visit www.dillons.com to share a grant request. This specific contribution will be in addition to its regular community-focused giving. In 2020, Dillons shared more than $2.3 million in monetary contributions back to non-profit organizations in Kansas with a focus on hunger relief, sustainability, education, support of military and families, diversity and inclusion, and grassroots organizations.
“These dedicated funds from our Zero Hunger Zero Waste Foundation offers a helping hand as we continue to give back to our Kansas communities that have given so much to us,” Dreher added.
Customers are also encouraged to visit our website www.dillons.com/100years for more information, including a 100th anniversary video, historical photos, and associate spotlights.
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