This Small Michigan Town is Home to America’s Oldest Family-Operated Grocery Store

This Small Michigan Town is Home to America’s Oldest Family-Operated Grocery Store

Photo: Bobby Guy/TSM

This family-owned market has been stocking shelves and pantries for more than 130 years. Now under fourth-generation ownership, Doud's was first opened in 1884. 

Mackinac Island is filled with incredible Michigan history, from the walls of Fort Mackinac and its deadly cannons to the charming Victorian homes that dot the island and the Guinness-World-Record-holding porch of the magnificent Grand Hotel. Walking the streets filled not with cars, but with horses, carriages and bicycles is like stepping back in time.

In 1884, James and Patrick Doud opened a market they named Doud Bros. It became Doud's Mercantile and then the name became Doud's Market, but not much else has changed. More than 130 years have passed since then, and the Doud family is still in business, with fourth-generation owner Andrew Doud operating the original store, and even expanding the business.

Doud's Market: This Michigan Treasure is America's Oldest Family-Owned Grocery Store.

America's oldest family-owned grocery store was opened on Mackinac Island in 1884. The Doud family still runs the business today. Take a look inside and step back in time.
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