Andrew Doud’s journey with Doud’s Market on Mackinac Island, Michigan, began long before he took over as the fourth-generation owner of America’s oldest family-owned grocery store. Growing up on the island during the summer months with his father, Stephen, who ran the store year-round, Andrew’s childhood memories are intertwined with the history of the market.
Initially drawn to the island’s restaurant scene, Andrew worked at various establishments before ultimately returning to Doud’s Market in 2006. After a brief stint running the Gate House restaurant at the Grand Hotel, Andrew found himself back at the family business following his father’s passing in 2002 and the store’s subsequent bankruptcy in 2006.
Upon taking over the reins, Andrew made significant changes to revitalize the store. He closed Doud’s Market for an entire winter season to focus on renovations and shifted the focus back to its roots as a full-service grocery store. Bringing back fresh meat, produce, bakery items, and a grab-and-go deli section, Andrew aimed to prioritize quality food offerings over convenience items.
Despite the store’s long history, Andrew also sought to modernize Doud’s Market to meet the evolving needs of customers. Introducing self-checkouts and an online ordering system for summer residents, Andrew found ways to blend tradition with convenience. The island’s car-free policy presented logistical challenges for delivery services, but Doud’s Market managed to overcome them by utilizing horse-drawn transportation for grocery deliveries.
Today, Doud’s Market continues to be a central hub for both locals and tourists on Mackinac Island. With a rich history dating back to 1884, the store’s legacy lives on through Andrew Doud’s dedication to preserving its heritage while adapting to the demands of the modern world. As America’s oldest family-owned grocery store, Doud’s Market stands as a testament to resilience, tradition, and community spirit.
Nicole Doud, wife of Andrew Doud, shared with Food & Wine the convenient way customers can shop at Doud’s Market on Mackinac Island. She explained that customers can place their orders ahead of time, and Doud’s Market will pack the order. Mackinac Island Service Company will then pick up the order with horse-drawn carriages and deliver it to the customer’s desired destination.
Despite the modern conveniences, Doud’s Market still maintains its nostalgic charm. The building, constructed in 1885, exudes a sense of history with 19th-century family photos adorning the walls. The 4,500-square-foot store also showcases archival photos over the fresh produce section, allowing shoppers to appreciate the island’s history while selecting fruits and vegetables.
Andrew emphasized the importance of preserving the store’s old-fashioned look, stating, “The old look is very important to us. It was very important for me to have a family flair to it, and stories of not just my family, but the story of Mackinac, and trying to add that to it.”
Doud’s Market offers a wide range of food and household essentials, providing shoppers with fresh produce, fresh-cut meats, and prepared items such as whitefish dip, chicken pot pie, subs, and salads. Nicole highlighted the cherry chicken salad and cherry chicken salad wrap as customer favorites. The store also boasts a selection of baked goods and a comprehensive array of wine, beer, and spirits.
While the peak season for Mackinac Island and Doud’s Market is from July 1 through the third weekend in August, the store remains open during holidays and winter. Nicole mentioned that the winter season is quieter but busy with repairs, projects, and preparations for the upcoming busy season.
Andrew acknowledged the unique financial challenges of running a grocery store on a small island, noting that their purchasing power and price points differ from big-box stores. Despite these challenges, Doud’s Market continues to thrive with popular items like freshly made pizza, available with various toppings like Italian sausage, mushrooms, and banana peppers.
The grab-and-go model at Doud’s Market aligns with their mission of providing a reliable, quick, and cost-effective option for both locals and visitors. Andrew emphasized the convenience of grabbing groceries from their store and enjoying a bike ride around the island, making Doud’s Market a perfect choice for those looking to explore Mackinac Island’s outdoor elements.
