The History of Sparkle Markets
May is a big month at Sparkle Markets. We’re celebrating our 68th anniversary! It’s been our honor to live and work in the communities we service. Each Sparkle store is locally owned and operated and the stores’ owners take pride in getting to know their customers, some of which have been shopping with us for many years. To celebrate our anniversary, we’re taking a stroll down memory lane and giving you a bit of history of your local Sparkle, plus we’re giving you some of our favorite and most popular recipes.
Our Story
The history of Sparkle Markets dates back to 1955, when four local independent grocers sought to achieve one common goal: provide customers with neighborly service and high-quality
products at the lowest prices possible. And after merging with an Akron-area group of grocers, they achieved just that by opening the first neighborhood Sparkle. Throughout the years, this quaint collection of local grocery stores gave big chains a run for their money, remaining “big enough to serve its community, yet small enough to care.” Many of the stores current owners have been in the grocery business their entire lives, starting as teenagers and working their way up while learning the ins and outs of the business.
Today, there are 18 Sparkle Markets serving communities in Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, all sharing the same original values of friendly service, quality products and low prices. Throughout the years, store ownership has been passed from father to son or daughter, ultimately maintaining the core principles of Sparkle Markets.
We take pride in providing our customers with the best possible products, a neighborhood-feel shopping experience and aim to make you feel like you’re a member of the family.
Sparky The Grocer
He’s clean-cut, passionate, hardworking, and for over 50 years has been the beaming face of the Sparkle Markets brand. Our iconic Sparky is displayed in stores and on advertisements as a constant, friendly reminder that Sparkle store owners are available to customers and associates and invested in their local communities.
Recipes
Over 20 years ago, Sparkle Markets partnered with local television station WFMJ-TV21 to create a cooking segment. Great Groceries gave viewers easy-to-make, delicious recipes using items you can purchase at your local Sparkle and made by Nancy from Sparkle. In 2012, Megan from Sparkle made her debut in the Great Groceries Kitchen. In 2020, the segment was rebranded to Sparkle Eats and is featured on our Facebook and YouTube pages.
Check our some of our favorite recipes from over the years:
Most viewed on YouTube
How to Make a Charcuterie Board
Making a great charcuterie board is almost a necessity of any party. Balance is key and choosing the right ingredients is very important.
Favorite Oldie-But-Goodie
Slow Cooker Ribs
This rib recipe was so delicious and popular, we chose to make it a second time in the kitchen, just in case someone didn’t catch it the first time.
Anniversary Recipe
Confetti Cake
You can’t celebrate a birthday or anniversary without a cake! Check out this delicious take on a confetti cake.
Pinterest Favorite
Ham and Cheese Puff Pastry Squares
Not only was this recipe very popular on YouTube, but these easy ham and cheese puff pastry squares are our most shared and viewed recipe on Pinterest.
Thank you for being loyal customers for Sparkle Markets. Stop in at Sparkle and check out all the special deals we have in the coming weeks to celebrate our anniversary! Sign up for our Sparkle E-Deals and get weekly recipes and specials delivered right to your inbox!
