About Hollywood Markets - Hollywood Markets

Wondering about Hollywood Markets? Here's a little about us.

1924

How it All Began

After returning home from serving in France during World War I, John Welch, Sr. opened his first grocery store in Detroit, Michigan. John was the proud father to four sons; Robert, John, Richard and William.

1947

Jay’s Market

Sadly, the eldest Welch son, Robert, was lost while serving in World War II. In 1947, John Welch’s second oldest son, John, nicknamed “Jay,” opened his own store called “Jay’s Market” in Detroit.

1950

First Hollywood Store in Royal Oak

In June of 1950, the Welch family opened its first “Hollywood Market” on Campbell Road in Royal Oak, Michigan. Spearheading this effort was Charles Ross. Charles Ross became Jay, Rich and Bill’s stepfather when their mother remarried. Not long after the store opened, Rich and Bill left to serve in the Army during the Korean conflict. Upon returning from duty, all the boys took to working in the store. Many years later it became necessary to sell this store because of its small size and the need to expand was great.

1959

A Second Store

In 1959, Main Street became the second Hollywood Markets in Royal Oak, which was twice as large as the first store. Rich was selected to manage this store while Bill managed the Campbell Road location. And Jay, being the oldest, would supervise both stores.

1967

A Third Store

The year 1967 brought a third Hollywood Markets to Maple Road in Troy, Michigan. This store was an instant success and quickly became a favorite neighborhood grocery store. From day one, the Welch family set out to make customer service, as well as an outstanding meat department their top priorities. And they did. Hollywood Markets developed an enviable reputation as the best place in town to buy superior quality meats, a reputation they still have to this day. Yet more stores were on the Welch Family’s horizon.

1973

A Fourth Store

In 1973, the fourth Hollywood Market began when the family purchased from Tony’s Market on Opdyke Road in Auburn Hills. In 1999, this Hollywood Store was relocated to the former J & J Market at the corner of South Boulevard and Opdyke Road, where you’ll find it today in Bloomfield Township.

1978

A Fifth Store

In 1978, the search for another store location brought the Welch’s to Shelby Township*, where they purchased the former Auburn Orchards Market on Auburn Road and made it the fifth Hollywood Market.

2007

Three New Stores

Although it was a long stretch from 1978 to 2007, it was well worth the wait. This time the Welch Family decided to increase their store total by three, these additions were purchased from the former Michigan Farmer Jack grocery chain. They’re located on Campbell Rd. in Madison Heights, Rochester Rd. in Rochester and Lapeer Rd. in Lake Orion*. With the addition of the three new stores, as of November 2017, The Welch’s Hollywood Markets were seven strong.

2018

Shelby and Lake Orion Stores

*Unfortunately, due to competition in the neighborhood and other factors, the Shelby Township location was closed in November 2017 and the Lake Orion location closed in January 2018. Luckily, Hollywood Markets was able to offer all employees at both locations the option to join the Hollywood families at its other five locations.

And there you have it, 1924 to present, 94 years and counting, our remaining stores are going strong, still proudly serving past, present and future Hollywood Markets customers. Our mission of customer service remains the same as it was in the beginning. And as we move forward with the fourth generation of the Welch family and Hollywood Markets, we stand by what Mrs. Welch said long ago in her advertising flyer from the 1930’s… “We Aim To Please.”