Beecham's Market in Tremont, Illinois celebrates 100 years in business

Mike Kramer, Pekin Daily Times
·2 min read

One key to sustaining a family business for 100 years must surely be persistence. Fortunately, the owners of Beecham’s Market Inc., in Tremont have shown that quality in abundance for four generations.

“My grandparents and my parents instilled their work ethic into me,” said current co-owner Keri Hughs, great-granddaughter of Beecham’s Market co-founders William and Iva Beecham. “It’s important to be resilient and stay focused on what we need to do to survive.”

Beecham’s Market began its existence in 1922 in a different central Illinois community when William and Clarence Beecham established Beecham Brothers Grocery in Glasford. In 1939, William’s son, Gerald Beecham opened a Tremont store and received an early test of his determination and resilience.

“The building we’re in now is our third building in Tremont,” said Hughs. “The first store (on the intersection of Sampson Street and Illinois Route 9) was burnt to the ground. Then, the second location was built (at 131 Sampson Street), and that burned down in 1949 or 1950. This store was built on the same location.”

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Dave Hughs, right, Keri Hughs, middle, and Keri's mother Mary Beecham pose in the specialty items section of Beecham's Market, 131 S. Sampson Street, in Tremont. Beecham's Market is celebrating its 100th anniversary.
Dave Hughs, right, Keri Hughs, middle, and Keri's mother Mary Beecham pose in the specialty items section of Beecham's Market, 131 S. Sampson Street, in Tremont. Beecham's Market is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Besides surviving two fires, Beecham’s Market has had to weather local competition from large chains like Kroger’s, Schnuck’s and Walmart. According to co-owner Dave Hughs, he and Keri have responded to that competition by becoming a specialty store and offering superior customer service.

“Meat is our main business right now,” he said. “I believe the big box stores have actually kind of helped us,” he said. “When Walmart came to Morton and Pekin, my father-in-law (Lanny Beecham) thought it might be the end of Beecham’s. But it turned out that people would bring their lists to us, order their meat, go to Walmart to buy their Cheerios or whatever, then come back and pick up their meat. So, the big box stores probably boosted us into a niche. I think having a niche is key, especially for a small business.”

Beecham's Market, 131 S. Sampson Street, in Tremont has been in business for 100 years.
Beecham's Market, 131 S. Sampson Street, in Tremont has been in business for 100 years.

While much has changed over the past 100 years, Keri Beecham said that one thing that has not changed is the store’s commitment to customer service. Beecham’s employees still offer to carry customers’ groceries to their cars, and the store still delivers grocery orders.  She added that the store’s brand of customer service has resulted in a loyal customer that is essential to the success of any business, small or large.

“We wouldn't be here without all of our customers, and we can't thank them enough,” she stated.

Beecham’s Market is located at 131 Sampson St., Tremont. Hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. More information is available at beechamsmarketinc.com

This article originally appeared on Pekin Daily Times: A century in business: Tazewell County, IL specialty market turns 100