About Us

The Thruway Family of Stores traces its retail roots back to 1924 and its humble beginning as the “Ellenville Fruit Exchange” in Ellenville, NY. Founded by Meyer and Lillian Jacobowitz, the store quickly began to grow. Looking to expand, the family moved the business to Walden, NY in 1939. Finding a new home on Main Street and a new name, “The National Self Service”, it became one of the area’s first true “self-service” grocery stores.

In 1955, shortly after New York State Thruway was completed, the business moved to its current location, which previously housed the Walden Knife Company. The sprawling complex offered room for the business to grow into the “Thruway Food Market and Shopping Center.” While the business has morphed and changed with the times, eventually becoming known as “Thruway Family of Stores”, the business remains family-owned and a vital part of the community they serve.

Thruway Family of Stores, now comprised of Thruway Sporting Goods and Thruway Ace Hardware, is proud to be celebrating its 65th anniversary in 2020. The success of Thruway Family of Stores is built on decades of customer service, expertise and knowledgeable staff comprised of local residents. Nestled in the heart of town, Thruway Family of Stores offers a hometown shopping experience with quality brands and the ease of purchasing right in the local community.