America’s oldest family grocery blends tradition with a charm that never fades
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Tucked away on a quiet island, there stands a grocery store that feels less like a place to shop and more like a doorway into a living storybook from another time.
Its wooden shelves stretch across the room, while the walls, carefully lined with fading family photographs, whisper a tale of resilience, continuity, and deeply rooted tradition.
For well over a hundred years, it has weathered fires, shifted through different hands of ownership, and endured the relentless march of modern technology without losing its soul.
Even today, it manages to hold onto its sense of nostalgia while weaving in new ideas that allow it to keep serving and connecting with its community.
Doud’s Market first opened its doors in 1884 and is recognized as America’s oldest family-owned grocery store.
Located on Mackinac Island, a car-free spot where bikes and horse-drawn carriages rule, the market has been central to local life for generations.
Fourth-generation owner Andrew Doud brought it back from bankruptcy in 2007, reshaping it into a true grocery store rather than a mere convenience stop.
He reintroduced fresh produce, meat, bakery items, and a deli section to restore the store’s original purpose.
Over the years, the business has embraced change while holding onto its old-world charm. Customers can order online, and deliveries still arrive by horse-drawn carriage—a reflection of the island’s ban on cars since 1898.
Self-checkouts have been installed, but the building itself, dating back to 1885, remains filled with archival photos that connect shoppers with the past.
For Andrew, keeping that “family flair” alive has always been just as important as keeping the shelves stocked.
Inside, the store offers everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to signature grab-and-go meals like cherry chicken salad wraps, whitefish dip, and hearty pot pies.
Also read: These six At Home stores are closing—and shoppers can score up to 30% off before they go
There’s also an array of baked goods, along with wine, beer, and spirits that cater to both locals and seasonal visitors.
One of the surprise favorites is the market’s homemade pizza, perfected over the years as a quick meal option.
Whether it’s a full dinner or a simple snack, the offerings are designed to keep people moving so they can enjoy the outdoors.
Though summers are the busiest time, with tourists filling the island from July through August, the market stays open year-round.
Also read: After 117 years, LA's oldest sandwich shop is closing—and here's why it matters
Winter brings quiet streets but allows for important renovations and planning behind the scenes. Running a small grocery on an island comes with challenges, including higher costs compared to Walmart or Costco on the mainland.
But for the community, the convenience and character make Doud’s Market priceless. Andrew says the mission is simple: to be a place where neighbors and visitors alike can count on a reliable meal or grocery run.
From cherry chicken salad to hot pizza slices, the store blends practicality with charm. It may not have the size of a supermarket, but it has something far more valuable—a history woven into every corner. And in a world of big-box chains, that makes it one of a kind.
Read next: Step back in time: The oldest restaurant in every US State
Would you make the trip to shop at a store that’s been serving its community for 140 years? Share your thoughts below
Its wooden shelves stretch across the room, while the walls, carefully lined with fading family photographs, whisper a tale of resilience, continuity, and deeply rooted tradition.
For well over a hundred years, it has weathered fires, shifted through different hands of ownership, and endured the relentless march of modern technology without losing its soul.
Even today, it manages to hold onto its sense of nostalgia while weaving in new ideas that allow it to keep serving and connecting with its community.
Doud’s Market first opened its doors in 1884 and is recognized as America’s oldest family-owned grocery store.
Located on Mackinac Island, a car-free spot where bikes and horse-drawn carriages rule, the market has been central to local life for generations.
Fourth-generation owner Andrew Doud brought it back from bankruptcy in 2007, reshaping it into a true grocery store rather than a mere convenience stop.
He reintroduced fresh produce, meat, bakery items, and a deli section to restore the store’s original purpose.
America’s oldest family grocery blends tradition with a charm that never fades. Image source: Doud’s Market
Over the years, the business has embraced change while holding onto its old-world charm. Customers can order online, and deliveries still arrive by horse-drawn carriage—a reflection of the island’s ban on cars since 1898.
Self-checkouts have been installed, but the building itself, dating back to 1885, remains filled with archival photos that connect shoppers with the past.
For Andrew, keeping that “family flair” alive has always been just as important as keeping the shelves stocked.
Inside, the store offers everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to signature grab-and-go meals like cherry chicken salad wraps, whitefish dip, and hearty pot pies.
Also read: These six At Home stores are closing—and shoppers can score up to 30% off before they go
There’s also an array of baked goods, along with wine, beer, and spirits that cater to both locals and seasonal visitors.
One of the surprise favorites is the market’s homemade pizza, perfected over the years as a quick meal option.
Whether it’s a full dinner or a simple snack, the offerings are designed to keep people moving so they can enjoy the outdoors.
Though summers are the busiest time, with tourists filling the island from July through August, the market stays open year-round.
Also read: After 117 years, LA's oldest sandwich shop is closing—and here's why it matters
Winter brings quiet streets but allows for important renovations and planning behind the scenes. Running a small grocery on an island comes with challenges, including higher costs compared to Walmart or Costco on the mainland.
But for the community, the convenience and character make Doud’s Market priceless. Andrew says the mission is simple: to be a place where neighbors and visitors alike can count on a reliable meal or grocery run.
From cherry chicken salad to hot pizza slices, the store blends practicality with charm. It may not have the size of a supermarket, but it has something far more valuable—a history woven into every corner. And in a world of big-box chains, that makes it one of a kind.
Read next: Step back in time: The oldest restaurant in every US State
