Our History
Brookshire Grocery Company has a rich history dating back to 1928, when Wood T. Brookshire opened a small, 25 x 100-foot store in downtown Tyler, Texas.
In the beginning, Wood was in a partnership with five brothers operating under the “Brookshire Brothers” name. In 1939, the partnership dissolved and Wood became the sole owner of three stores in Tyler that became the seeds of today’s Brookshire Grocery Co.
Wood founded the company with a foremost concern for the well-being of others, and his dedication to his business and to his customers are characteristics that continue to influence the company today. Brookshire Grocery Co. is committed to putting people first and providing the best for its customers and employees – approximately 13,000 people known as “partners.”
In the early years, Brookshire’s made headlines by providing more to the communities it served. The company had the distinction of operating the first air-conditioned grocery store in East Texas — which opened in Tyler in 1939. When Tyler’s historic Bergfeld Shopping Center debuted in the 1940s, it featured a brand-new Brookshire’s store. The same store continues to operate in downtown Tyler — a modern version dedicated to the same tradition of service.
As the company grew, more stores continued to open across East Texas, and Brookshire’s opened its first warehouse in 1953. Through the years, the company continued to experience steady growth and expanded across the state line into Louisiana and Arkansas, bringing the service and quality of Brookshire’s to more areas.
Today, Brookshire Grocery Co. has more than 150 stores operating in Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas, under four distinct banners:
- Brookshire’s Food Stores Full-service supermarkets featuring everything from specialty departments to carryout service;
- Super 1 Foods Stores Upscale warehouse-style stores with lower operating costs passed on to customers;
- Olé Foods Heavy emphasis on meeting the demands of Hispanic shoppers;
- FRESH by Brookshire’s A concept store that combines the offerings of a full-service supermarket with specialty, organic and natural products and an extensive chef-prepared foods selection.
The company also operates three distribution facilities — two based in Tyler, Texas, and one in Monroe, La. — with more than 2 million total square feet and a company fleet of 72 tractors and more than 300 trailers. BGC’s internal manufacturing facilities include bakery, dairy, ice cream, yogurt, fresh-cut, ice and water/drink plants, all in the Tyler area, which produce a wide variety of award-winning products including the popular Goldenbrook Farms Premium Ice Cream.
Brookshire Grocery Co. continues to provide the best to its customers and dedicated partners. The foundation that Wood T. Brookshire established is alive and abundant today as BGC is heavily involved in the communities where it operates, supporting more than 800 charitable organizations annually. The company is often recognized for exceeding industry standards and providing exceptional service.
