Sunshine Foods, a name synonymous with grocery shopping in Sioux Falls for decades, boasts a rich history rooted in the entrepreneurial spirit of George E. Sercl. Starting in 1931 amidst the Great Depression, Sercl’s first Sunshine grocery store quickly flourished, establishing a foundation for expansion driven by competitive pricing, strategic advertising, and a keen understanding of customer needs.
The Rise of a Grocery Empire
Sercl capitalized on the evolving landscape of the retail grocery sector. While small, specialized shops were the norm, Sunshine embraced the concept of one-stop shopping, offering a wider selection under one roof. This forward-thinking approach, combined with aggressive advertising in the local Argus Leader, fueled rapid growth.
By 1932, a second, significantly larger Sunshine store opened on 11th and Grange, earning the local nickname “west-side roller rink” due to its spacious aisles. This expansion continued with a groundbreaking architectural marvel at 26th and Minnesota in 1934. The store’s innovative lamella roof eliminated internal obstructions, allowing for even wider aisles and ample parking, a significant draw for customers. A fourth location followed in 1937 at 12th and First Avenue, solidifying Sunshine’s commitment to spacious layouts and convenient parking.
Partnership and Continued Growth
In 1941, Sunshine joined the national Piggly Wiggly franchise, leveraging its buying power and adopting innovative shelf displays. This partnership facilitated expansion beyond Sioux Falls, with Sunshine stores opening in Kimball, Mitchell, and Sioux City, Iowa. Despite wartime constraints, a new warehouse was constructed in 1944, further underscoring the company’s commitment to growth.
Following World War II, expansion resumed in Sioux Falls with new locations opening throughout the 1950s and 1960s. This era saw the closure of the original store due to parking limitations and the rise of George Sercl Jr., who took the helm in 1971, having worked in the business since 1960.
Adapting to Change
Under George Jr.’s leadership, Sunshine continued to adapt to the changing retail environment. The company responded to the construction of The Empire Mall with a new store at 41st and Louise in 1977. Further modernization included replacing older locations with larger, updated stores, such as the East 10th Street store in 1987 and the flagship 10th and Kiwanis location in 1990.
A Legacy Endures
Facing increased competition in the 1990s, George Jr. opted to sell the remaining five Sioux Falls Sunshine stores in 1996 to Nash-Finch and Gordy’s Inc. Today, a single Sunshine store remains at the historic 12th and First Avenue location, a testament to the enduring legacy of a local grocery icon. Although under new ownership and sporting a modernized logo, the Sunshine name continues to resonate with Sioux Falls residents, representing a history of quality, innovation, and community service. The building that housed the 7th and Main location, pictured above, later became a popular nightclub venue.
