Our grandfather Jan Peters was a grocer before grocery stores existed. From a small shop in Badehoevedorp, The Netherlands our Father Neal learned the trade during the 1940’s.
Orders had to be gathered from the customers personally, then back at the store assembled and packed, and finally hand delivered on a special bike fitted for the job.
How We Got Here
In the mid 50’s
Neal’s enterprising spirit brought him to West Michigan where he and Ann settled as did many other Dutch immigrants up until the late 1950’s. Neal worked a variety of jobs which involved selling and delivering food. In 1976 the dream for his own store came true when he purchased Van’s Dutch Store on Grandville Avenue in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He quickly grew the business seeking every product his customers asked for. Mail order also became a growth opportunity as well as wholesaling when Ed came into the business in 1977.
A second store
was added
in Jenison. In 1988 we moved the business to 36th street in Wyoming, Michigan where there was more room for a warehouse, office, and store.
All parts of the business continued to grow as well as the staff including Ernie, Neal’s youngest son. Neal officially retired from daily business in 1995.
The business
needed more room
and moved to Grandville, Michigan. We continued to serve all our customers from this new and larger facility. Along the way the business name evolved from Van’s Dutch Store to Van’s Dutch Imports, then to Van’s Importing. In 1995 we incorporated the business and adopted Peters Imports as the corporate banner.
The retail business
was known as Peters Imports Marketplace until 2002 when it was moved to its own location and named deReuze Gourmet Market.
Fast forward
to 2013
and one more move for the store. In September 2013 we moved only a ½ mile away to a new location at 4499 Ivanrest. We adjusted the name slightly to Peters Gourmet Market. Through all these changes, we still import the popular Dutch products which you will find on our web site and in our catalog. We offer the largest selection of cheeses from Holland. We stock a large variety of micro and import beers and excellent selection of wines, 100’s of chocolates, candies, and licorice. Bulk coffee, tea, spices, international grocery, and gift baskets are also part of our product selection.
Our staff
is “all in the family” dividing responsibilities between brothers Ed and Ernie, Ed’s children Kristina and Dan and Ed’s wife Susan. We continue the tradition that began decades ago of putting the customer first or as Neal puts it “de klant is Koning” – the customer is king.
We thank you for your loyal support and taking the time to learn about us, we promise our best for many years to come.
Sincerely,
The Peters Family
