Saubel’s Market

Greg Saubel, President of Saubel’s Markets never had the opportunity to know his grandfather Claude Saubel, but he has many recollections of stories about his grandpa. The story that is most prevalent to Greg about Grandpa Saubel is the one of how he became involved in a small family owned country general store in the village of Hametown, PA. The story goes like this: Claude Saubel was a tool and dye maker, working at the naval yard in Washington, D. C., when he took a leave of absence to help his father-in-law who was experiencing some health issues.  Upon his father-in-laws death, Claude quit his job at the naval yard to remain in Hametown and help run the store.  In 1926, Claude’s mother-in-law passed away, and he and his wife took over operations of the family business. The store operated as a Community Pure Foods store, which was supplied by P. A. & S. Small Company of York, PA.  Many unusual but necessary items were sold from this location, including dynamite, wire fencing, plow shares, hardware, clothing, shoes, and more.  Groceries were sold here as well, and home delivery was a big part of the operation. In 1931, just five short years after acquiring the store, Claude and his second wife, Henrietta Saubel had a son.  Their son, Leon grew up within the business and helped with the daily operations.  Leon married his wife, Doris, in December of 1949, and she became involved in the business as well. As times changed and the area grew somewhat, Leon and Doris decided it was inevitable that a larger store should be built.  They purchased land at 65 East Forrest Avenue in Shrewsbury, PA and began the building process.  In March of 1966, the store opened as Saubel’s Super Thrift with a 5,200 sq. foot building and seven new employees. As Leon saw appropriate, the new store housed a fresh meat department, produce, a regular grocery line (cereal, pastas, drinks, canned goods, etc.), and a complete selection of hardware.  Window blinds and glass were available, and cut to specifications, and paint was mixed to order. Eventually, Leon and Doris decided to do away with the hardware and concentrate on selling groceries. They then incorporated an in- store bakery, a full service deli, and eventually a full service seafood department. Prior to the new store being built, Leon and Doris had two sons, Steve and Greg.  Both of the sons grew up in the business and also played a great role in forming the store in Shrewsbury into what it is today.  They experienced five expansions (1971, 1976, 1980, 1986 and 1990), bringing the total store footage to 45,000 square feet. In the year 2000, the supermarket also went through a major remodel and changed suppliers. The store began trading as Saubel’s Shurfine Market and products were purchased from Associated Wholesalers in Robesonia and York, PA. In 2006, a full line of natural and organic products was added to meet the growing population and desires of the customers giving them more choices than ever before. In the late 70’s, Saubel’s began introducing their own soups and salads and continued to expand on the number of items being made fresh, daily in the bakery. Saubel’s doughnuts continue to be mixed, proofed, fried and topped on premises daily for freshness that cannot be beat.  A smokehouse was added so meats could be smoked, which led to the making of smoked sausage, beef jerky, homemade bologna, smoked turkey legs, salmon and more.  Later, a second smokehouse was added to keep up with the demand. In 1991, Leon and Doris both experienced some health issues and decided it was time to retire.  They passed the business on to Steve and Greg, which was a smooth transition since both sons had been involved for so many years prior.  They felt comfortable in knowing that the third generation of Saubel’s was ready to operate the family business. The southern end of York County continued to grow at an incredible speed and in 2001 the opportunity arose for the acquisition of Graceton Markets, an