National Tea Company Stock Certificate (1950) | Chicago Grocer Giant

A Top-Tier American Grocery Chain, Captured in 1950

This National Tea Company stock certificate was issued in 1950. National Tea was a major U.S. retail grocery chain—ranking among the top ten largest grocers for much of the 20th century.

Origins: Started Small in Chicago (1899)

Founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1899 by Danish immigrant brothers George S. Rasmussen and Thorvald Rasmussen, the business began as a single neighborhood store on West North Avenue.

Early offerings included tea, coffee, spices, butter, and eggs.

Growth to a National Grocery Name

Over the decades, National Tea evolved into a conventional supermarket chain—often operating under the name National Food Stores.

By its peak in 1929, the company grew to over 1,600 locations, known for well-stocked produce and private-label products.

History Highlights: Depression to Postwar Expansion

• Late 1920s: Expansion pushed store counts past 1,600.
• Great Depression: The company closed or sold underperforming locations.
• Late 1940s–1950s: Aggressively purchased regional grocery chains (including in Colorado and St. Louis) and operated in over a dozen states.

1950s Turning Point: Weston Control

During the 1950s, Canadian conglomerate George Weston Limited (later known through Loblaw Companies) purchased a controlling stake in the National Tea Company.

Later Decline & Brand Ending

• Mid-1970s: The chain faced strong competition and pulled out of its historic Chicago stronghold.
• 1995: The remaining southern and midwestern division (operating as National Supermarkets) was sold to Schnucks Markets, effectively ending the brand’s independent existence.

Collector Appeal

This 1950 National Tea Company stock certificate is a great pick for collectors of vintage stock certificates, mid-century retail history, and American grocery memorabilia.