This is a list of all chain grocery locations my research has uncovered in Topeka between 1926 and 2020, compiled from city directories, telephone books, and other sources. There may be some omissions due to incomplete or missing data, etc. and I welcome suggestions and corrections. Please read about my methodology for more information about what I do and do not include.
View and download a copy of this location spreadsheet via Google Sheets.
Notes:
- Topeka is one of those interesting areas where A&P, Kroger, and Safeway all operated simultaneously, if only for about fifteen years or so.
- The Grand Union chain that operated in Topeka is almost certainly not the same one that served the northeastern USA.
- I am not 100% certain how much of a connection there was between the assorted Roose chains.
- Kroger abandoned the market in the early 1950s but returned with its purchase of Dillon’s in 1983.
- Falley’s and Food 4 Less were the same company and I am not sure which actual brand names appeared on which stores at which times. The list gives the names as noted in the city directory, which may or may not reflect the actual name used.
Store tags:
- A&P
- Dibble’s
- Dillon’s
- Falley’s
- Hy-Vee
- IGA
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Thriftway
- Tilton’s
Updated on 26 November 2022
RuralRetail
July 17, 2020 at 2:20pmYou left off the Price Chopper stores. The fairlawn plaza Dillons is a Woolco-Venture-Price Chopper/Hastings Entertainment-Dillons conversion. There was another price chopper at California crossing.
Groceteria
February 21, 2024 at 7:30pmThe Price Chopper stores were not listed in any of the city directories for Topeka during the years covered. Based on your message, I have verified that they were in those two locations in 2007 and were gone shortly after. There very well may have been others but I cannot verify addresses or dates. If you have additional information, I’d love to hear it.
Diana Thomas
June 27, 2021 at 1:43pmWhen did the Safeway store in North Topeka close? Having hard time finding that information. Thank you
Krista
March 1, 2023 at 7:10pmWhat was the name of the grocery store at 2901 SE California in the 70s?
Jason Porter
February 20, 2024 at 8:29pmThere was a store at se 27th and Indiana. Also at sw topeka and Croix. And one on se 29th next to the od k-mart where harbor freight tools is now
Groceteria
February 21, 2024 at 7:56amI’ll see what I can find about them and try to get them added if they’re chains. Do you happen to know names or approximate years?