Niemann Foods

Niemann Foods is an independent, employee-owned retailer based in Quincy, Illinois, with a history that stretches back to 1917. The company was started by Ferdinand Niemann, Sr. and his son, who opened their first grocery store in Quincy. Over the decades, Niemann Foods steadily grew from that single location into a regional presence, and by the 1960s had become a recognized leader in food retail across the Midwest. A major milestone came in 1973 with the launch of County Market, a supermarket concept that remains central to the company’s portfolio.

As of November 2025, Niemann Foods operates more than 100 stores under several banners, including County Market, Harvest Market, Save-A-Lot, ACE Hardware, Pet Supplies Plus, and Haymakers convenience stores. Its locations are concentrated in Illinois, Missouri, and Iowa, with a particular focus on central and southern Illinois, eastern Missouri, and southeast Iowa. The company’s footprint includes a mix of full-service supermarkets, convenience stores, fuel centers, and specialty retail formats, reflecting a flexible approach to meeting the needs of different communities.

In the past five years, Niemann Foods has pursued growth through new store openings, remodels, and targeted expansion into underserved Midwestern markets. Recent efforts have focused on expanding the County Market and Haymakers banners, with several new locations planned for central and southern Illinois in 2025. The company’s strategy emphasizes community engagement and adaptability, tailoring store formats and offerings to fit local market needs. Employee ownership, formalized in 2001, continues to be a defining feature of the organization, supporting a stable and invested management structure.

Niemann Foods’ scale, multi-format expertise, and long-standing reputation make it a reliable anchor for retail projects across the region. The company’s ongoing investment in both new and existing stores signals a growth-oriented posture and a commitment to remaining competitive in a changing retail landscape.