Our History

1920s — 1940s

• The birth of Nugget! Father-and-son team William and Mack Stille open the first Nugget Market in Woodland, Calif., in 1926.
• They help pioneer many new concepts in the grocery industry, including refrigerated produce cases, checkstands with takeaway power belts and a full meat department within the store (usually the domain of butcher shops in those days).
• Mack, always passionate about produce, travels the western United States seeking the freshest, highest-quality produce available. Nugget eventually teams with United Produce for greater selection.

1950s — 1970s

• Mack Stille’s son, Gene, becomes CEO/President of Nugget Markets (Gene holds the title of Chairman of the Board at Nugget today, and can often be seen chatting and bagging our guests’ groceries).
• Nugget makes a commitment to low prices, establishing its Everyday Low Price format with great success.
• Nugget’s Deli department becomes a focus within the store, offering an expanded takeout food selection with an emphasis on freshness, quality and convenience.

1980s — 1990s

• Nugget Market opens a second location on Mace Blvd. in Davis. Nugget also purchases two Alpha Beta stores in Sacramento and converts them into Nuggets No. 3 and 4. The Stilles also open two Food 4 Less stores in Vallejo and Woodland, becoming the first independent grocers to operate both price-impact and conventional-format stores.
• Gene’s son, Eric, becomes CEO/President of Nugget Markets, and Gene carries on as chairman of Nugget’s Board of Directors.
• Nugget begins its long-standing partnership with Nor Cal Produce, allowing for an expanded and diversified produce selection.