Reynolds Market Historical Timeline

Jun 19, 2025, 7:02:40 PM

With only eighth-grade educations, a vision, and an abundance of grit and determination, Frank Reynolds and John Marman built more than a grocery store—they built a legacy rooted in service and community.

One hundred years later, Reynolds Market continues to thrive, honoring their past while looking boldly toward the future.

1906

John Marman emigrates from Fibish, Hungary, to Glendive, Montana, at age 12. He initially works at Kirsch Grocery Store, gaining early experience in the grocery business.

1909

Frank Reynolds moves from Dubuque, Iowa, to eastern Montana with his family under the Homestead Act, farming and raising livestock near Glendive. He supplements the family income working at Douglas Meade Co. general store, delivering groceries by horse and buggy.

1917

John Marman joins Sawyer Stores in Glendive, rapidly advancing to become the store manager due to his strong work ethic and business acumen.

1919

Frank Reynolds begins working at Sawyer Stores, forming a professional relationship with John Marman that lays the foundation for their future partnership.

1925

On March 21, the first Reynolds market opens in Glendive, marking the official establisments of the partnership between Frank Reynolds and John Marman. They quickly expand, opening nine additional stores including locations in Wibaux, Circle, Terry, Beach, and Watford city.

August 1925

A second store opens in Sidney, Montana, in the remodeled Valley Bank and Trust building. John Marman relocates to Sidney to manage the new locations, overseeing its growth for many years.

1928

The Sidney Store expands, adding a significant 28x100-foot storeroom to meet growing customer demand.

1929

A devastating flood in Wibaux destroys the store there. The business recovers quickly, relocating and reopening in Beach, North Dakota.

1932

A major fire, believed to have started from faulty wiring in the meat department, severely damages the Glendive store. Despite extensive damage ($100,000 in losses, equivalent to over $230,000 today), the store is swiftly rebuilt and reopened the following year.

1942

The Sidney store moves into a larger, nearby facility, enhancing the shopping experience and operational efficiency.

1949

Len Bollinger opens a grocery store in Glasgow, Montana, initiating the development that would lead to future expansions of Reynolds Market.

1952

Reynolds Food Store opens a new, modern 16,000 square-foot facility on Yellowstone Avenue in Sidney, attracting over 4,000 visitors during a three-day grand opening event. The store also includes extensive basement storage.

1961

Gordon's Foods opens in Glasgow, housed within the new Big G Shopping Center.

1963

Reynolds Supermarket launches in Baker, Montana, emphasizing affordability with the theme "The store that brought low prices to Baker." The store is first managed by Pat Kilworth, followed by Clarence Schell in 1968.

Clarence introduces custom-cutting and cold storage rentals at the Baker store. Reynolds' meat departments start making homemade Italian, southern, German sausage, and bratwurst.

1969

Miles city store opens at its last location, continuing operations until its closure in February 2025.

1971

The Baker store expands significantly with new meat department storage and retail areas.

1977

Another expansion at the Baker store introduces Reynolds Market's first in-store bakery, further enhancing its appeal to customers.

1996

Clarence Schell, store manager in Baker, retires after a long career, handing leadership to his son, Ken, who had already accumulated 23 years of experience in the grocery industry.

2009

John Reynolds becomes Board President, with Ken Schell assuming the role of Vice President, signaling continued family involvement and leadership.

2012

Reynolds Market expands further by acquiring Gordon's Foods in Glasgow, Montana, marking a significant growth milestone. Jerry Tade was the first store manager in Glasgow, followed by Terry Colbrese.

2013

Sidney store relocates to The Shops at Fox Run shopping center, built and managed by the Reynolds Management Group, offering customers an enhanced shopping environment.

2018

Glendive store undergoes significant remodeling, introducing Reynolds Market's first pharmacy.

2022

The Glasgow store celebrates its Grand Reopening following extensive renovations, highlighting Reynolds Market's commitment to modern retail experiences.

2025

Reynolds Market proudly celebrates 100 years of dedicated service to the community, reflecting on its enduring legacy and commitment to the future.

Guiding the Legacy: Presidents of Reynolds

Founder and First President
Frank T. Reynolds — 1954-1958
John T. Marman Sr. — 1958-1973
Kenneth B. McGovern — 1973-1985
Jack K. Reynolds — 1985-1998
Ron Barone — 1998-2009
John Reynolds — 2009-Present