About

About Us

Founded in 1950 by Dave and Emma Lou Steffen, Dave’s Supermarket began as a small, 3,800-square-foot store with just three team members. At that time, we were the 11th grocery store in Fairbury. A lot has changed since then—back in the day, a pound of coffee cost just 49 cents, a gallon of milk was only 49 cents, and a 5-pound bag of flour was 29 cents. As the community's need for quality products and affordable prices grew, so did Dave's Supermarket. Over the years, we expanded multiple times and now occupy more than 40,000 square feet of retail space, covering a city block.

 

From the very beginning, Dave’s Supermarket has been more than just a business—it’s been a family affair. Dave and Emma Lou’s children—Vicki, Alan, Mark, and Brian—were all actively involved, playing key roles in building the store into the community cornerstone it is today. When Dave passed away in 2010, his legacy of integrity, service, and faith continued to guide the business. He always credited God for everything and found joy in serving others, a spirit that still drives the Steffen family and the entire Dave's Team.

 

Vicki retired in 2018, Alan in 2019, and Mark in 2022. Today, Brian, along with Dave & Emmy’s grandsons; Justin Steffen & Matt Zehr, continue to uphold the family tradition. As we move forward, our commitment to ‘WOW’ the customer remains as strong as ever, and we’re always delighted to welcome the occasional visit from Miss Emmy, who still brings her warmth and spirit to the store.

 

At Dave’s Supermarket, we’re not just about providing quality products—we’re about fostering connections, serving with integrity, and continuing the legacy of a family dedicated to the communities we serve. Thank you for being part of our journey. We hope to see you soon!