Palmer's is one of Rochester's oldest businesses; proudly serving its community for generations. The Market features an extensive offering of fresh and frozen proteins, groceries and related products, and prepared foods with a focus on personal service.
HISTORY
Palmer’s Market found its origins in 1849 when Levi palmer moved to Rochester. At the time there was a thriving fish hatchery in Lake Ontario, in those days they employed fish mongers who used horse-drawn wagons to sell “the day’s catch” in the streets.
In 1861, Dwight Palmer I, inherited the business at the age of 24 after the death of his father. Over the next 40 years the company continued to grow its reputation for supplying the finest and freshest seafood to area customers. “Palmer Bros” was born when Dwight Palmer I retired, led by his three sons. In 1919, the business expanded by moving the company’s headquarters to 141 State Street. Through the 1920 and 1930’s improved transportation and refrigeration increased customer demand for other seafood varieties, the Palmer Brothers began importing seafood from across the US and around the world.
Fast forwarding to the 1950s, Bud Palmer, the fourth-generation owner is at the helm after returning from WWII. Bud was an innovator and entrepreneur who changed the business from mostly a retail operation to a predominately wholesale operation serving restaurants, schools, business & industry, and higher education. Under his leadership, Palmer’s became the largest fresh and frozen seafood distributor in Rochester, NY.
In 1991, Dwight McGregor “Kip” Palmer became the fifth-generation owner and President of Palmer Food Services, making it the oldest family owned and operated business in Rochester. By 2002, Palmer Food Services had expanded through acquisition and organic growth to become a full-service broad line food service distribution company.
In 2009 “Palmer’s Direct to You Market” opened at the Genesee Valley Regional Market adjacent to its distribution center. Built on the history and tradition of the company, the market features an extensive offering of fresh and frozen proteins, groceries and related products, and prepared foods with a focus on personal service.
Palmer’s is an independent, family-owned company and takes great pride in serving its community.
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