John’s Grocery has been integral to the history of Iowa City since John Alberhasky bought the grocery business in 1948.  But the history of the building goes back a century further.  In fact, the State of Iowa itself is only two years older than 401 E.Market Street, which was built in 1848.  Since then the building has been a grocery store, an apartment building, a saloon, a barbershop, a fire station, office space, and even a factory for the Ernste Manufacturing Company.

No matter the variation, the building has always functioned as a service to the community.  We honor that history by continuing to provide Iowa City and surrounding communities with great products and service.  Click on the link below to see the Historic Timeline to get a better idea of the rich history of our store and our building.