Business Spotlight: Stanley’s Market- A Pillar of the North End Community

A conversation with Simon Zychowicz of Stanley’s Market

“Stanley’s Market has been a pillar of the North End for generations, staying true to its roots while continuing to grow. The market’s legacy is a testament to family, tradition, and the resilience of small businesses.” – Simon Zychowicz, 3rd Generation Grocer

“Stanley’s Market has been a cornerstone of the Polish International Village for over 95 years. As part of the City’s Vibrancy Initiative, we are proud to have partnered with this beloved neighborhood grocery store to enhance its storefront, preserve its legacy and contribute to the revitalization of the community.” – Brandon Sehlhorst, Director of Economic Development

How long has Stanley’s Market been in business, and what is its history?
Stanley’s Market has been a neighborhood staple for nearly 100 years. The business was originally opened by Stanley Goscin, who immigrated from Poland and started his first grocery store in 1919. He came to the U.S. in search of better opportunities and worked as a barber, machinist, and insurance salesman while learning English at night school. The store moved a few times before settling at 3302 Stickney Avenue in 1935.

In 1956, my grandfather, Eugene Zychowicz, purchased the market from Stanley Goscin. Stanley worked tirelessly to build a better life, and his dedication to the community laid the foundation for Stanley’s Market’s success. Our family has continued that tradition, keeping Stanley’s a lasting part of Toledo’s history.

What are some special family stories tied to the market?
There are so many, but one of the best is how my grandfather, Eugene, built strong relationships with customers from the start. He didn’t have much when he bought the market, but he was passionate about his work and believed in treating people right. Many of the early customers were from the neighborhood, and he made it a point to know everyone by name.

Long-time customers still share stories about how he remembered their kids' birthdays and always made them feel special. That personal connection is a big reason why Stanley’s Market has remained a beloved part of the community for generations.

There’s also the story of the kielbasa recipe. My grandfather made it a point to keep the recipe in the family, and people tried to figure it out over the years. Other business owners, some employees, even neighbors—they all tried. But it’s been kept secret, and that’s something that’s stayed true since day one. People love it, and that keeps them coming back.

Another family story I always remember is when I first started making the sausage mix. It was a huge responsibility because it was something my grandfather had done for years. I felt the weight of it, knowing I was taking on something so important to the business. It was a big moment for me, though—it meant a lot to carry on that tradition.

What makes Stanley’s Market so special to Toledo?
Stanley’s isn’t just about selling products; it’s about relationships. We’ve been a part of this community through all sorts of changes, and that’s kept us going. People come in here for everything from kielbasa to fresh produce, but they also come in because we’re familiar and trustworthy. We’re a part of their lives, and that’s what makes this place special.

How has the community supported Stanley’s over the years?
The community has been amazing to us. We’ve seen generations of families come through our doors. A lot of our regular customers bring their kids in now, and we’re starting to see their grandkids too. There’s something about being a local, family-owned business that just builds a deeper connection. That support from the community is what’s kept us here all these years.

What challenges have you faced as a family business?
There have definitely been challenges, especially with larger stores popping up and things changing. But we’ve stuck to what we do best—providing quality products and making sure our customers are treated right. The business world has changed, and we’ve had to adapt, but we’re not going to compromise on what made us successful in the first place.

How has the facade grant helped your business, and what improvements were made as a result?
The facade grant provided us with a much-needed facelift. The improvements included new awnings, upgraded materials, and enhanced signage. These updates modernized the store while maintaining its historic character. The facelift has not only improved the aesthetic appeal of the market but also reinforced our dedication to staying in the North End and reinvesting in my community. This partnership between the market and the City’s Vibrancy Initiative really reflects a shared commitment to the revitalization of this neighborhood.

What are your hopes for the future of Stanley’s Market?
I hope Stanley’s continues to be a place where people feel like they’re part of something—a tradition. We want to keep growing, keep improving, but always stay true to the values my grandfather started with. And as long as we’re around, I want to make sure the family legacy is carried on for the next generation.

Stanley’s Market
3302 Stickney Ave. Toledo, Ohio 43608
Ph: (419) 726-4347
Hours: Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Website: www.stanleysmarket.com
Facebook: Stanley’s Market Toledo

Image One: Stanley's Market before the Facade Grant Work.

Image Two: Stanley's Market after the Fcade Grant Work.

Image Three: A customer buys Kielbasa at the counter.

Image Four: Simon Zychowicz and Joseph Zychowicz of Stanley's Market.