MACKINAC ISLAND, MI – If you have ever ventured to Mackinac Island, you’ve probably visited America’s oldest family-owned grocery store. The island’s only store, Doud’s Market is celebrating 140 years of providing a vast variety of products that you may need or happened to forget on your journey.
The business’ story begins in 1884 with brothers James and Patrick Doud, who opened Doud Bros. The market was located on the waterfront, where the Mackinac Island Ferry Company dock now sits. An overnight fire in 1938 scrapped that early location. The store then moved to its current bustling corner spot near Marquette Park and was called Doud’s Mercantile.
Following the family legacy, Andrew Doud took the reigns of the store from his father, Stephen Doud, in 2008, making him a fourth-generation owner. The store known as Doud’s Mercantile underwent major renovations during the 2006-2007 winter season and was given its present-day name, Doud’s Market.
“This is an incredible anniversary. But we are more excited for the 150th,” Andrew Doud …