Park N Shop  

Indiana Supermarkets Inc dba Park-N-Shop (Headquarters)
3501 Edison Rd
South Bend, Indiana

1961 - May 3 - Charles Rhodes Buys Deckard's Big Super Market James E. McCombs Store Manager

One of the most important transactions in Culver 's business history of the past decade took place last week with the purchase of Deckard's Super Market on East Jefferson Street by Charles, Rhodes of Mishawaka for an undisclosed sum.



Mr. Rhodes is the successful operator of the chain of Park 'N Shop super markets in South Bend and Misihawaka.



He has already taken possession of his new Culver store of which James E. McCombs of Mishawaka. is manager. Another Mishawaka man, Ray Banazak, is in charges of the super market's large meat department.

Roy Deckard, a resident of Kewanna, opened the super market here Seven years ago. Through the years Mr. Deckard has won a wide reputation throughout Northern Indiana as a retail merchandising genius.

Deckard's Super Market has attracted customers to Culver from a wide radius including all of Marshall, Starke, Pulaski, and Fulton Counties.

Big Newspaper Advertiser
Mr. Deckard attributes a great deal of his success through consistent and large use of newspaper advertising space announcing the weekly bargains to be found at his establishment. Deckard's full-page advertisements have appeared regularly without a break in each issue of The Culver Citizen for the past seven, years and during the past two years the store's same full-page ad was inserted in The Cryer, a weekly supplement to The Citizen, which is circulated among more than 5,000 rural residents and post office box holders in this four-county area.

A Knox man, who works in Chicago Heights, recently told The Citizen that he not only banks in Culver but that he could save more than $10 a week here on his grocery bill.


Next week The Citizen hopes that photographs of Messrs. Rhodes, McCombs,and Banazalc will be available for their further introduction to our community which they are sincerely welcomed.

Mrs. A. N. Poppe's Brother [SIC cousin]
It is interesting to note that, Mr. McCombs is a brother of Mrs A. N. Poppe of Culver and, plans to move his family here as soon as the school term is ended. Mr and Mrs. McCombs have four fine children and are members of the Lutheran Church.

Mr. Banazak, a bachelor, is a member of the Roman Catholic Church.


Roy Deckard, his friendly son Dick, and their efficient and" courteous staff at the local super market will be missed and The Citizen, wishes them well in their future activities after a vacation which they richly deserve.

1961, June 14:

New Store Manager Of Deckard's Park 'N Shop Super Market James E. Mcombs

Latest Equipment For Deckard's Park 'N Shop Super Market Meat Department In Culver wben Charles Rhodes,OF Mishawak, successful operator of the chain of Park 'N Shop Super Markets in South Bend and Mishawaka, recently purchased Deckard's on East Jefferson Street, one of the first decisions he made was to enlarge its meat department upgrade the quality of its meat, and to give a larger selection of choice cuts. This McCray showcase, made in Kendallville, Indiana, is the very latest in refrigeration equipment.

In Charge Of Deckard's Enlarged Meat Department RAY BANAZAK, formerly of Mishawaka, is making a lot of Culver friends these days as the person in charge of Deckard's Park 'N Shop new meat department

Purchased the M. R. Cline properties of which were: M. R. Cline Lumber Yard at 207 E. Jefferson and 3 houses on S. Plymouth St one being 312 S. Plymouth.

1963 - Jan 9 - Park 'N Shop To Build New super market Building

Construction on a new building , which wil be the new home of the local Park 'N Shop Super Market, will begin soon, according to an announcement made this week by Charles Rhodes, owner of the Park 'N Shop Super Market organization. The new building will be located on the property recently purchased from Roth and Nolan Cline, and lies just east of the present Park 'N Shop market.

The new building will be a Stran Steel Building and will be erected by the David Poor Company of Warsaw. The dimensions of the new structure will be 60 x 162 feet, and one story in height. The building will contain four times the amount of square feet of floor space tho present market now has.

The structure will face East Jefferson Street and be located on a tract of ground 165 x 198 feet. It will be situated to allow for free parking in front and on the west side of the buildi ng for approximately 80 cars.

The front of the building will have a six foot canopy, which will allow for outside produce displays in any type of weather. The inside will be completely modern in every way. New automatic checkout counters will be installed to allow for faster checkout service. The building will be completely air-conditioned.

The cement block building, which has been occupied by the M. R. Cline Builder's Store will be remodeled and used as a rental location.

The announcement of the Park ' N Shop expansion program, highlights several business changes which have been made in Culver over the past several weeks. The new structure will add much to the growing business section of Culver . To add to the progress of Culver , the Culver Town Board has expressed their intention to cooperate as fully as they possibly can.

1963 mar 27 - James Mccombs, store manager of park n shop announced today the appointment of Albert schlabach as produce manager of the local store

1963 - Apr WORK ON NEW PARK 'N SHOP BUILDING PROGRESSING

Artist' s Drawing Of The New Park 'n Shop Building



New Park 'n Shop Sign Erected At Front Of Area



Pictured here is the artist's drawing of the new Park 'n Shop building now being erected on East Jefferson Street here in Culver . The structure, a Stran Steel Building design, will measure 60 feet wide by 102 feet long, containing 6,120 square feet of floor space. The front of the building will have a window area taking up two-thirds of the width. The window area will be faced with brick trim. The front will also have-a-patio type overhang which will afford weather protection for outside produce displays.

The interior walls of the building, will be dri-wall beautifully decorated. The ceilings will be the new type of Armstrong tile, the, construction which allowe easy, access to the space above, without damaging the tile. Main entrance doors will be controlled by electric eye operation for the convenience of customers. Three checkout lanes are planned. The building will be heated with gas for winter comfort and air-conditioned during the summer months.

The parking area abound the building. will be black-topped, and will have over 80 parking spaces. The parking area will be so constructed that grocery carts can-be wheeled, from store to car for easy handling of large bags of merchadise. The cement block building now standing on the northwest corner of the area, will be removed.

Mr. Rhodes, owner of the Park 'n Shop supermarket chain, states the store will feature the finest in meats and produce. Grocery and other stock will be furnished by Certified Grocers, who are considered the lowest priced grocery house in the country.

Watch for the opening day announcement and the grand opening ceremonies, which will appear in The Citizen.

1963 - apr. 3 - Park n shop's new building is taking form and shape faster and even sports a new and very modern sign already erected in front the the stran steel building

1963 May 15 - Park ‘N Shop to open This week

Mr. Charles Rhodes, owner of the Park 'N Shop Supermarket, announces that the initial opening of the new Culver Park 'N Shop will be Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of this week. The store is located on East Jefferson Street in the downtown section of Culver .

The new store will be under the management of James McCombs. Albert Schlabach will manage the produce department and the meat department will be under the management of Harley Evans.

At a Wednesday evening reception, prior to the Thursday opening, several business and professional people of Culver will inspect the new Park 'N Shop Supermarket.

This week's issue of The Citizen and The Crier carries a four page advertisement in which Mr. Rhodes formally announces the opening of this attractive Culver shopping facility

Celebrates With 3-Day Event
Special Prices On Thurs., Fri., Sat.
Park 'N Shop Opens New Store Tomorrow

Thursday, May 16, at 8:00 a.m. will mark the opening at the sparkling new Park 'N Shop Supermarket, at downtown East Jefferson Street, Culver, situated in a brand new Stran-Steel building of latest design, which is centrally located on an area that will afford parking space for-over 100 cars. While many, many food values will be offered at the store opening, the formal grand opening, is being planned for early September, with sensational values to mark this event.

The interior of the store will feature six wide aisles for convenient shopping. Many display spots are provided for the access of featured items. The large produce department will be self-service the type, combined with bulk displays of seasonable items out of doors under the front entrance canopy. The meat department will be service type with some items packaged for customer convenience. Large departments for the display of housewares, soft goods, frozen foods, greeting cards, magazines, records, drugs, ice cream and children's toys are also included.

The decorating decor of the interior of the building is one of soft, pleasant colors. The east and west walls are a soft pink. The large window and plate glass doors take up much of the north wall space with the balance of the wall being done In a harmonizing soft pastel green. The dairy case and meat departments occupy the south wall, which boasts very attractive wall papered balance above these departments. The ceiling is done in a very attractive off-white shade of acoustical tile with gold metal banding.

The spacious floor is tiled in alternating white and soft pastel green splattered tile which makes for a very neat appearance.

On entering the new market through the automatic door, which opens by electric beam, in order to get the full benefit of the spacious displays offered, customers will turn to the left, and go to the far side of the building. Here will be displayed the soft drink items. Next to this department is the houseware department; as you walk to the back of the store, on your left is the large fresh vegetable and fruit department, which is under the management of Mr. Schlabach. On the right will be found the beginning of the staple canned goods department.

As the customer reaches the end of this first aisle, he comes face to face with the large dairy case, which will contain a wide selection of cheese, milk and prepackaged meats, all self-service and prominently displayed fori easy selection.

To the right of the dairy department, the customer approaches the spacious meat department. This department has been planned as a self service type operation, but special cuts of meats will be gladly prepared by Mr. Evans and his assistants.

On leaving the meat department, one has the choice of moving up any of the six aisles, which are widely spaced for easy maneuvering. Items on these long "B" lines are grouped for easy selection.

The far west aisles, just to the right of the meat department, are being used to display the large frozen food department, which is self-service. On the right the shelves contain items of the bakery department. At the end of the bakery department will be found the ice cream counter. On the left will be found the drug, greeting card, and record section

Having made the complete trip through the spacious aisles loaded with a wide selection of staples, foods, and special items, you will have the privilege of checking out at one of the three check counters. The checking counters are of the latest design which are arranged to speed up checkouts to eliminate waiting. Carryout service will also be available.

Every possible arrangement of food and other items has been arranged to make your shopping much easier. To the left of the checkout counters, Mr. McCombs, store manager, will have his office. The building is lighted by ten strips of flourecent lights, which are mounted in pairs. The building is also air-conditioned.

To the back of the trading area proper will be found a room which wil be used for pre-packaging produce, a produce cooler, and frozen food storage and a grocery storage area. Immediately behind this room, is another room which houses the air compressor which operates most of the equipment in the store. The meat department also has a large walk-in cooler.

The building affords over 6,000 feet of floor space. The parking lot outside the building can accommodate over 100 cars. Mr. Rhodes, owner of the Park 'N Shop Supermarket, has spared no expense to bring to Culver a food market that refects the progress of the community.

Grocery Personnel Who Will Help With Your Shopping

Personnel, other than Mr. McCombs, Mr. Evans and Mr. Schlabach, who will serve you at the new supermarket are: Denny Keener, grocery and meat clerk; Chris Hartle, Bonnie Workman, Altz Wynn and Faye Rhodes, checkers; and Arl Altman and Bruce Lindvall, grocery clerks

James McCombs Will Manage New Store James McCombs will take over as store manager of the new Park 'N Shop Supermarket. He filled the same position at the old location, just west of the new supermarket. He comes to Culver with several years' experience in the grocery business, Having worked in all departments in the store. Mr. and Mrs. McCombs attend the Trinity Lutheran Church and are the parents of four children. The McCombs reside at 317 West Washington Street, Culver

Meat Dept is Managed By Harley Evans The spacious meat department of the new Park N' Shop Supermarket will be under the management of Harley Evans. The meat department is equipped with the finest equipment and will carry choice meats, cut to suit your needs. Mr. and Mrs. Evans attend St. Mary's of the Lake Church and reside at 321 W. Washington St., here in Culver

Produce Dept. To be Managed by Al Schalbach The produce department of the new Park 'N Shop Supermarket will be managed by Albert Schlabach. A veteran of over 15 years in the fresh fruit and vegetable business, Mr. Schlabach promises to offer the Park 'N Shop customers the finest in fresh produce. Mr. and Mrs. Schlabach are the parents of six children and reside at 312 Plymouth Street, Culver.

1963 - Jun 26 - Park N Shop Paves Parking Lot

Further improvements were made last week at the new Park 'N Shop super market, here in Culver . The entire parking area around the new building was hardtopped with a two-inch layer of paving mix.

The parking lot at the time of the grand opening was covered with a fine grade of sand. This was leveled and rolled to produce a firm bed for the future paving job. The surfacing with paving material had to wait until the sand had packed.

1978 - Jan - Park N’ Shop - manager Tom Sturdevant Tom Sturdevant

April 1981 - Park n Shop purchased the Alford's IGA of Culver and Argos and moved from their 207 E. Jefferson location; Argos location remaining the same.



2007 Dec 9 - Longtime Osceola store Park-N-Shop closing

South Bend Tribune.com
MARKET BASKET
HEIDI PRESCOTT Tribune Columnist

...Today our report starts with word of the imminent closure of a longtime Osceola retailer...

So long, Park-N-Shop

Just how many more days it will remain open depends on inventory levels, but the Park-N-Shop store located at 901 Lincoln Way W. in Osceola is closing before Christmas.

A local family-owned business, Park-N-Shop opened its first grocery store in 1955 in Mishawaka. The Rhodes family owned several area stores in the mid-1980s.

As soon as we receive more information from Bill and Dennis Rhodes, who partner in the Indiana Supermarkets company, we'll pass those details along.

The two are the sons of founders Charles and Faye Rhodes. Keep checking our blog for more information.

Culver Citizen
Thursday, 11 July 2009
Online / Pilot News
Friday, 10 July 2009

Culver grocery transformed for its 50th anniversary
By Jeff Kenney Citizen editor

...The Rhodes’ Culver connection goes back some time. Their father, Charles, first operated Park N’ Shop at 115 East Jefferson Street, the building which now houses Culver Cabana restaurant, starting in 1959. In May, 1963, having purchased and razed the M.R. Cline Builders store just east of the first Park N’ Shop (on the site of today’s Culver Cove), Rhodes opened the new, steel Park N' Shop building he’d had constructed there.

In April, 1981, Park N’ Shop opened its doors at its present location, having taken it over from the Alfords IGA supermarket for which the building was originally built in 1976 (thus ending a brief price war between the two stores and capping off bygone eras of multiple,smaller groceries operating in Culver simultaneously).

Those who haven’t visited the store in weeks or months will immediately be surprised by the elaborate, 10 by 18 foot mural painted on the building’s exterior by local artist (and Culver Cabana co-owner) Jon Bickel, who also fabricated almost all of the interior signs and décor — as well as exterior lettering — according to the designer’s specifications The result is an especially local feel to Park N’ Shop...

What for a time was a drive-through Taco Bell area has been renovated to house the new store office, with the former office space giving more space for sales...

Though Bill and Dennis also continue to operate five Save-A-Lot and other grocery and convenience stores in Knox, Rochester, South Bend, and LaPorte, no doubt some of the attention to Culver ’s Park N’ Shop is aided by the fact that the Rhodes family now lives in Culver full-time...

2015 - Dec 3 - Park N Shop on Lake Shore Drive in Culver recently put grant funds provided by the Culver Redevelopment Commission recently as part of its facade improvement endeavor to good use in restoring the mural on its east-facing wall, which was originally painted by Culver artist John Bickel.