Weis Markets turns 100 years old this weekend, and folks celebrated the milestone with a picnic in Sunbury.
Nowadays we all know Weis Markets as a multi-store chain, with a presence in many communities around Northeastern and central Pennsylvania, but 100 years ago it all began with one location in downtown Sunbury.
Carl Hughes has worked at Weis Markets for 35 years. He started out at the grocery store in Williamsport and is now the bakery director. Hughes is happy to celebrate Weis Markets' 100th anniversary.
"You have a family, you're working for them. They've treated me really well through the years. It's a wonderful atmosphere. I can't say enough wonderful things. I'm still here 35 years later," Hughes said.
Weis Markets employees had a picnic at Keithan Gardens in Sunbury to celebrate the supermarket chain's 100 year anniversary.
"It's a very nice event our folks attended. It's a milestone in corporate circles. We're very proud," said Weis Vice Chairman Jonathan Weis.
Weis Markets opened up its first store on Market Street in Sunbury 100 years ago. Since then, the chain has opened 159 stores in 5 different states, employing more than 17,000 people.
"I've worked in the stores, I've worked in the facilities, I've been in operations, I've been in training and I am now in H.R. in the corporate facility," Eileen Murdock said. She has been a Weis employee for 18 years. She said she likes the family atmosphere at Weis Markets. Her family does too. "My husband actually works for Weis, my kids have worked there, too. It's just something that we do. It's a very family oriented company. That's what makes it nice."
Weis employees enjoyed a 150 pound cake at the picnic. Sunbury's mayor declared it Weis Markets Day. Officials said the chain plans to open at least three more stores this year.