Following up on an East Market Street grocery store
Just a few weeks ago, I shared a question from reader Karen about the name of a grocery store on East Market Street, in the strip mall that also had a Grant’s store and later held Danskin.
I have received many comments on that, and I’d like to share those today.
Reader Terry Hershner wrote, “Located in the 4000 block of East Market Street, this strip was originally known as Grant’s Plaza. The grocery store in Grant’s Plaza was a Super Thrift. It was Snyder’s Super Thrift and later Yankee Super Thrift. I worked there part-time under both owners as a senior in high school and a freshman in college – from the beginning of the summer of 1972 through the end of the summer of 1974. I do not recall when the store closed.”
He continued, “The Super Thrift chain also included the original Snyder’s Super Thrift on Queen Street in Spry (across from Royal Farms) and Jay’s Super Thrift where Ollie’s is now located near the corner of Haines Road and Mount Rose Avenue. I am not aware that any Super Thrift grocery stores still exist. As I recall, P.A. & S. Small Company was either the owner of the chain, or supplier for the chain.”
I also heard from Renay Wolf, who wrote, “I believe that grocery store in question was named Yankee Superthrift. I used to shop there all the time when I lived in the area nearby. It was a very nice store and they made the best white cakes! I also used to shop frequently at W.T. Grant’s store. They had nice clothes for small kids. I wish we still had those two stores available.”
We had talked about W.T. Grant and his stores in a column earlier this year, and it seems that sentiment was shared by a lot of readers, Renay.
Reader Brian R. wrote, “I remember the grocery store. At the time I was living in Hellam and going to college. I used to shop there. It was called Yankee Super Thrift. Open 24/7. I loved it and was sorry to see it go.”
And Bruce Collier, the younger brother of longtime reader and commenter Keith Collier, also wrote. He said that if he remembers correctly, “The grocery store in that Danskin strip when it opened was Snyder’s Super Thrift, the same folks that had the Super Thrift at Leaders Heights and Queen, where Enzo’s cars and Advance Auto now are. It was a bad idea; I’m not sure they lasted a year there, that strip never got off the runway. The grocery store changed names a couple times before closing for good. I remember it well because they had huge grand opening specials with free stuff, and my mom gave me money and sent me through a separate line so we could get TWO carts full of specials! I think I was 11!”
And, he added, “I’m 99 percent sure the second name of that Super Thrift at Danksin was “Yankee Super Thrift.” They didn’t set any longevity records either. Snyder’s continued to operate their Spry store until Spangler’s built a big shiny new store right up the road, and that was the end of that.”
Reader Kathy said her brother-in-law said the first store was Yankee Thrift and the second was Festival Foods. That’s the first I have heard of a Festival Foods in our area, so if so, that would be news to me!
I also heard from Jo Ann King, who wrote, “The store was Snyder’s Superthrift. I worked there and was a part of the training that took place for all new employees prior to the grand opening. The Snyders also had a store in Spry. Lots of great memories! Food Fair that later became Panty Pride was at the location that is currently Red Lobster.”
Milton Sultzbaugh wrote, “I think the name of the grocery store in East York at Grant Plaza was named Yankee Super Thrift. I was born and raised in the Hallam area and it was always said it was 20 years before its time.”
I heard the Yankee Super Thrift name from Greg Zunic as well, who added, “It was my first job!”
Have questions or memories to share? Email me at joan@joanconcilio.com or write to Ask Joan, York Daily Record/Sunday News, 1891 Loucks Road, York PA 17408. We cannot accept any phone calls with questions or information.
Hello, i just stumble apon this story and may i say it brought joyful tears to my eyes. I em Scott Snyder the grandson of Preston Snyder the founder and owner of Snyders Super Thift in Spry.
This was the only location my grandfather and father , Lonn Snyder owned and operated for over 30yrs. Moving once from where once was Spry Hardware. Located across from now Hannas dry cleaning on s queen st. As stated in this story it all came quickly to an end when Spanglers Markets built a shiney new story right upbthe road. In my motorcycle riding field. As i remember as a child.
My grandparents were religious people and held their ground on not opening on Sunday’s. Spanglers markets on the other hand WAS open on Sunday’s. Along with double coupon values in those days. Hence the demise of Snyders Superthift.
I must say i cherish those days in my memory. It was what seemed an innocent ,carefree and much easier world back then. From the 25cent soda machines in front of the store. The price stamped in ink on the cans in ink. To the big poster size discount displays for the windows in front. Absolutely heart warming.
I was wrong on the other locations. I was too young to remember. My sisters have informed me and im sure will let you know as well. There was another location. Sorry for the misinformation.