Our Story

From Fruit Stand to Community Staple:

The Story of Stauffers of Kissel Hill

Stauffers of Kissel Hill is a story of growth, dedication, and the pursuit of a dream.

It all began in 1932 when Roy M. Stauffer, Sr., whose roots were firmly planted in the fertile soil of Lancaster County farming, opened a humble fruit stand along the Lititz Pike.

Early Days

Roy’s father, Tilman, had instilled in him a deep appreciation for quality produce, having raised and sold fruits and vegetables on their family farm in Warwick Township. Carrying on this tradition, Roy Sr. set up shop on leased land in Kissel Hill, offering his community the freshest picks of the season.

Tragedy struck in 1937 when a fire destroyed the original stand. Undeterred, Roy and his wife purchased a five-acre farm and brick home in Kissel Hill, where they raised their twelve children. Later that year, they opened the doors to a brand new store – the very building that houses the Stauffers of Kissel Hill corporate office today! Along with fresh produce, they expanded their offerings to include an expansive selection of plants, trees, and shrubs.

Family Affair

As the business prospered, the Stauffer family grew alongside it. In 1956, Roy Jr. and his brother-in-law, Jay Oberholtzer, took the reins, forming a partnership and renting the business. Three years later, they purchased the business from Mrs. Stauffer and officially incorporated, with brother Earl joining the management team. By 1961, brothers Jim and Paul had also come on board, solidifying the family’s commitment to the growing enterprise.

Expansion and Growth

With a strong foundation of hard work and a progressive corporate board, Stauffers of Kissel Hill continued to expand. Multiple store locations opened throughout Central Pennsylvania, each one carrying the Stauffers name and commitment to quality.

Currently  Stauffers has locations in Lititz, Rohrerstown, Mount Joy, East York, Dover, Hummelstown, Linglestown, and Mechanicsburg, offering an expanded selection of fresh foods, home and garden products, and services. From local produce and fresh meats to baked goods, signature dishes, and natural and organic offerings, Stauffers has become a one-stop shop for the community. Our Home & Garden stores offer everything from flowers, trees and shrubs to fashion and décor accents for your home.

Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we’ve been able to grow and thrive over the years. We’re proud to be a part of the Central Pennsylvania community and to serve our neighbors with the best in fresh food and home & garden products.

Today, Stauffers of Kissel Hill continues to build on its legacy of quality, service, and community. We’re excited for what the future holds and remain dedicated to providing our customers with the best possible shopping experience.

Stauffers of Kissel Hill Timeline

32
1932

Roy Stauffer, Sr.
 opened a roadside fruit stand along Lititz Pike in Lancaster.

37
1937

The Kissel Hill building
 which now houses the corporate office, was open for business and expanded to include sales of plants, trees and shrubs.

64
1964

Oregon Pike
 was opened and offered the same line of products enjoyed by shoppers at the Kissel Hill Location.

69
1969

The company started doing business under the name Stauffers of Kissel Hill.

70
1970

Rohrerstown
 Supermarket + Home & Garden store opened for business

71
1971

Leola Supermarket + Home & Garden store was added and remained until 2005.

84
1984

An additional Home & Garden store was opened in the North Mall (which was relocated to Dover in 1999)

85
1985

The new Lititz Supermarket + Home & Garden store was opened.

86
1986

Linglestown Home & Garden store opened for business.

90
1990

East York Home & Garden store opened for business.

08
2008

In early 2008, Hummelstown & Mechanicsburg Home & Garden stores were acquired.

08
2008

In the fall of 2008, the new Rohrerstown Supermarket and updated Home & Garden store was opened.

21
2021

In May 2021, we opened our newest Fresh Foods store in Mount Joy.

Our Values

T.R.I.C.S. OF OUR TRADE.

TEAMWORK

Excellence through collaboration, going beyond individual achievement.

RESPECT

Valuing the worth of everyone.

INTEGRITY

Being truthful, trustworthy, and ethical in all we say and do.

COMMITMENT

Dedication to our customers, team members, communities, and business partners.

SERVICE

Being attentive and graciously offering help before we are asked.

Our Vision

Passionately focused on meeting the needs of others.

Our Mission

DELIGHT SHOPPERS

Ensure an exceptional customer experience delivered by friendly, knowledgeable Team Members who provide impeccable service every day.

ENERGIZE OUR TEAM

Provide enthusiastic leadership and training, motivating and inspiring team members to excel, empowering them to achieve their full potential.

ENRICH OUR COMMUNITY

Be a good neighbor and positively impact the communities in which we serve.

Our Heritage

To honor God, which inspires us to willingly live out our Values, Vision, and Mission

Awards

Stauffers of Kissel Hill has been delighting shoppers for over 90 years, and it shows! We’re not just your average grocery store. We’re known for having freshest produce, quality meats, and a fantastic selection of goodies you won’t find just anywhere. But it’s not just about the food! Our home and garden section is a favorite too, with everything you need to make your house and yard beautiful.

We’re talking “best of the best” when it comes to things like quality, selection, and making our customers happy. It’s no wonder people love shopping at Stauffers!

Want to see some of the awards we’ve won? Check these out:

Lancaster County Magazine 2024

  • #1 Grocery / Food Store
  • #1 Landscape Design
  • #1 Outdoor Living/Furnishings
  • #2 Garden Center/Greenhouse

Susquehanna Style Magazine – York County 2024

  • The Best Garden Necessities

Susquehanna Style Magazine – Lancaster County 2024

  • The Best Garden Necessities

Susquehanna Style Magazine – Dauphin County 2024

  • The Best Garden Necessities

Readers’ Choice 2024 – Fresh Foods

  • #1 Grocery Store
  • #1 Deli
  • #1 Place to buy Ribs
  • #2 Bakery
  • #2 Place to buy Seafood
  • #3 Place to buy Birthday Cakes
  • #3 Place to buy Pies

Readers’ Choice 2024 – Home & Garden

  • #1 Garden Center
  • #1 Outdoor Furniture
  • #2 Birding Store
  • #2 Place to buy Mulch
  • #2 Place to buy Firewood
  • #3 Greenhouse

The Top 100 Independent Garden Centers 2024

  • Ranked #7 (US & Canada)

Clipper Magazine Readers’ Poll Best of Harrisburg

  • #1 Garden Center

Clipper Magazine Readers’ Poll Best of York

  • #1 Garden Center

Clipper Magazine Readers’ Poll Best of Lancaster

  • #1 Garden Center

Best of Lancaster

November 2023

  • #1 Grocery / Food Store
  • #1 Prepared Food
  • #1 Garden Center / Greenhouse
  • #1 (Tied) Landscape Design
  • #1 Outdoor Living Center

Readers’ Choice 2023

  • #1 Grocery Store
  • #1 Deli
  • #1 Place to Buy Ribs
  • #1 Birding Store
  • #1 Place to buy Outdoor Furniture
  • #2 Bakery
  • #2 Place to buy Seafood
  • #2 Garden Center
  • #2 Place to buy Firewood
  • #3 Place to buy Pies
  • #3 Place to buy Birthday Cakes
  • #3 Greenhouse
  • #3 Water Garden Designer/Supplier

The Top 100 Independent Garden Centers 2023

  • Ranked #10 (US & Canada)

Susquehanna Style Magazine York

  • The Best Garden Necessities

Susquehanna Style Magazine Harrisburg

  • The Best Garden Necessities

Susquehanna Style Magazine Lancaster

  • The Best Garden Necessities

Best of Clipper Magazine Readers’ Poll 2022

  • #1 Garden Center

Readers’ Choice 2022

August 2022

  • #1 Grocery Store
  • #1 Deli
  • #1 Place to Buy Ribs
  • A Favorite Bakery
  • A Favorite Place to Buy Seafood
  • A Favorite Place to Buy Birthday Cakes
  • A Favorite Place to Buy Pies
  • #1 Garden Center
  • #1 Greenhouse
  • #1 Outdoor Furniture
  • #1 Birding Store
  • #1 Place to Buy Firewood
  • A Favorite Water Garden Designer/Supplier
  • A Favorite Place to Buy Mulch

The Top 100 Independent Garden Centers 2022

  • Ranked #9 (US & Canada)

Susquehanna Style Magazine York

  • The Best Garden Necessities

Susquehanna Style Magazine Harrisburg

  • The Best Garden Necessities

Susquehanna Style Magazine Lancaster

  • The Best Garden Necessities
  • The Best Grocery Store

Best of Lancaster County

  • #1 Grocery/Food Store
  • #1 Prepared Foods
  • #1 Garden Center/Greenhouse
  • #1 Outdoor-Living Center
  • #2 in Landscape Design

Best of Lancaster County

  • #1 Grocery/Food Store
  • #1 Prepared Foods
  • A favorite among Bakeries
  • #1 Garden Center
  • #1 Outdoor-Living Center
  • A favorite in Landscape Design

York Daily Record

May 2021

  • One of the 2021 Best Gardens Centers

The Top 100 Independent Garden Centers 2021

  • Ranked #10 (US & Canada)

Readers’ Choice 2021

August 2021

  • #1 Grocery Store
  • #1 Bakery
  • #1 Deli
  • #1 Place to Buy Ribs
  • #1 Place to Buy Seafood
  • A Favorite Place to Buy Birthday Cakes
  • A Favorite Place to Buy Pies
  • #1 Outdoor Furniture
  • #1 Birding Store
  • A Favorite Garden Center
  • A Favorite Greenhouse
  • A Favorite Water Garden Designer/Supplier
  • A Favorite Place to Buy Firewood
  • A Favorite Place to Buy Mulch

Susquehanna Style Magazine York

  • The Best Garden Necessities

Susquehanna Style Magazine Lancaster

  • The Best Garden Necessities
  • The Best Grocery Store