North Tonawanda History Museum © Budwey's Supermarket

Budwey's Supermarket - 527 Division Street - Established in 1922

Budwey's actually was begun in early 1920's by present owner Frank Budwey's mother, Flora Arnst, who passed away in 2005. It operated in various North Tonawanda locations, including 452 Oliver Street and Division Street , Main Street in City of Tonawanda.

The First Budwey's store opened at 452 Oliver Street, North Tonawanda by Saltonia Budwey in 1922. Her son James Norman Budwey took over and had his First Grand opening on April 18,1936, at this location. Mr. Budwey grew his business into three supermarkets and one restaurant before his death in 1952. Leaving behind his wife Flora with not only these businesses but also four children Rodney age 10, Sally age 9, Frank age 3, and Cathy age 1. Flora Budwey was left these businesses in 1952 in a man's world but refused to listen to the bankers to liquidate. Instead she continued her husband's dream. With the help of her parents, sisters, brother-in-laws and superior employees she was able to continue, and grow this business to where it is today.

1950 Budwey's Store on Millersport Highway, Grover Cleveland Plaza

1962 Budwey's Foodliner Store (3rd expansion by Flora Budwey)

1942 The first locally owned Supermarket to open in Twin Cities history by James Budwey on Division Street, No. Tonawanda New York

1974 Frank Budwey relocated the 393 Division Street . Store, to the Harvest the Best Supermarket at 535 Division Street , and changed Harvest to Budwey's the Best

1977 Frank Budwey joined the Super Duper at 535 Division Street

1983 Frank Budwey joined Bells in 1985 expanded the store, another 10,000 sq. ft. making it a total square footage of 37,000.

1958 Grand opening of Budwey's Foodliner 393 Division St.

1960 Salesmen Tony Macri cashes out with cashier Sandy Failing, customer Catherine (Casteline) De Mart with cashier Rose (Pellegrino) Billman. Rose remembers when undercover detectives came in to the stor~ on a Sunday two minutes before 12:00 pm ( noon ) and purchased beer from Sandy . Sa'nQy was arrested for selling beer before 12:00pm on a Sunday. That is currently a law today. Roses son Billy started work at Budwey's in 1976.

1959 Orlando (Ory) Bartonlomei meat manager at Budwey's with Rosie (Pallota) Dumais meat wrapper.

1983 Ribbon cutting at 535 Division St for the store remodel with Councilwomen Sara Hood, Sally (Budwey) Vanthoff, Councilwoman Barbara Banfield, Frank Budwey, Mayor Betty Hoffman, Flora Budwey, councilmen David Sandel, Joe Horvath (Horvath's Fish Market on Oliver Street), and Paul Kudla (Kudla's Collision on Oliver Street).

1958 New store 395 Division St. Budwey's Foodliner.

1950 Rodney Budwey promoting Hop Along Cassidy Cereal for .23 cents a box at the Millersport store in Grover Cleveland Plaza .

1950 Far right James and Flora Budwey with other grocers leaving for a convention in New York City .

1950 Budwey's advertisement on the Carpenter Busline that serviced The Twin Cities.

1962 Ribbon Cutting at 393 Division Street after another expansion of 3.000sq.ft. with a total now of 10,000 sq. ft. Edward Arnst, Bob Ables, Flora Arnst, Congressman Henry P Smith ,and The Chief of Police, Patrick Grimaldi.

1972 Picture of Budwey's employees joining advertising with a friendly independent grocer in Tonawanda Canton Market, with Arnold and Erving Weinstien. Frank Budwey's supermarket days would have been three months, and out without Arnie Weinstein taking Frank under his wing and teaching him how to advertise and to be successful in the food business. Employee's in picture starting front row left to right Frank, Rodney, Cathy Budwey, Edward and Flora Arnst, second row Sue Vona, Theresa Clement, Shorty Vanthoff, Joe Colari, third row Marge Neithe, Molly Rich, Louie Barber, Jim Reimer, last row Mariam Stolenfles , Kim Renda, Herby Hall, Charlene Hall, and Penny.

1963 at Budwey Bells on Meadow Drive North Tonawanda, a Shopping Spree contest won by the nuns from Ascension Church. Volunteers from the church ran the aisles at Budweys.

1920 Remington Rand Building manufactured office equipment.

1930 International Paper Mill with Grand Island in the background.

1930 Central School on Clinton Street , City of Tonawanda .

1930 International Paper Company showing the huge rolls of paper produced on Tonawanda Island . Look at how tiny the men are below the large rolls of paper.

1900 Tonawanda Railroad Depot, at Grove, Fletcher, and Main Street Tonawanda .

1915 DeGraff Memorial Hospital at Tremont Street, North Tonawanda New York .

1925 Wurlitzer Corporate Office and plant, North Tonawanda .

1900 Nabisco Shredded Wheat Delivery Wagon Niagara Falls , New York .

1930 Gratwick Firehose Company Engine #6
William Wittkowsky on a hand carved carrousel. From Wittkowsky Studio's.

1936 Smith Building Webster St , North Tonawanda , Riveria Theatre

1920 Brown's Hotel Delaware, Young and Broad Street , Tonawanda

1920 Goundry School and Carneige Public Library

1940 White House Restaurant owned by Flora and James Budwey. Flora had to make homemade ice-cream, and flipped hamburgers.

1920 Felton Grammar School at Thompson & Bryant Street in North Tonawanda

1930 Tonawanda Brewing Company on Hinds and Niagara Street in Tonawanda Budwey's in later years rented space for grocers from Benderson Development Company today it is the Wilson Farms plaza.

1930 The Carrousel built in the City of North Tonawanda on Geneva Street where Flora Budwey grew up as a child. With her friends they use to test ride all of the rides made by the Herschell Spillman Company, which is a museum today.

1930 Niagara River with the Erie Canal Towpath to Buffalo at Hinds and Niagara Street and look you can't even see Tonawanda High School

1964 Food Convention with Dora Spaziani produce manager, Joseph Mead paper supplier, Flora Arnst.

1949 Flora Budwey at Food Convention costume party dressed up as Jenny from the Genesee Beer Company. After the party Flora was offered a job to do the TV Commercials because the real Jenny had a accent and could not do vocal commercials.

1978 Reni Budwey, Pat Holdaway, George Bums, Sally (Budwey) Vanthoff, Cathy (Budwey) Durgin and George's secretary, Pat Holdaway purchased all the food for the stars at Melody Fair from Budwey's and The Budwey Girls loved serving the stars. Paul Anka, Tom Jones, Connie Stevens to name a few!

1936 James Budweys relatives in Peoria , Illinois celebrating three of his nieces First Holy Communion.

1979 A Celebration for Joan Horvath Hartman after twenty years of service as Budwey's bookkeeper.

1988 Budwey Bells in Canal Fest Parade following after driver seated Justin Budwey, Cheri sse Budwey, Siobhan Budwey ,Theresa Kenney, Reni Budwey, Christina Budwey, Rodney Budwey, Richard Vanthoff ( Shorty ), hidden Flora Arnst, and Paula(Arnst) Lopez. I want to mention Theresa Kenney, who started out as a cashier in 1970. Theresa was a very loyal, and hard working employee that moved up the ranks as Office Manager/Bookeeper. When necessary she would work up to 20 days straight making shure our eleven cash register lanes would be open for business.

1970 picture of American side of Niagara Falls .

1995 Aerial picture of the Twin Cities/Erie Canal.

1960 picture of the Canadian Falls .

1949 New Era Grocers Association. Front row James Budwey, Mr. Wilcox, back row on the right Peter C. Schmidt Budwey's wholesaler.

1964 Budwey Bells on Meadow Drive . Flora and Edward Arnst, Warren Grotke sales manager for Peter J. Schmitt Company. Second cashier Carol (Clement) Corsaro.

1965 Flora Arnst receives award from The Buisness and Professional Women's Club, for Mother of the Year Award, and Career Mother of Erie County , pictured with her are at left her sister Rosie, at right husband Edward Arnst, mother Catherine Scabelloni and sister Angie.

Erie Canal with Lift Bridge up so boats may clear the bridge on Deliware Street .

1960 Ladies employed at Budwey,'s at 393 Division Street starting at the left, Jean King who married Ernie Vigrass our store manager, forth in front row Flora's sister Josephine Maiolo, behind, Josephine, Mary Opalinski, second from the right front row Carol (Clement) Corasro

2004 Donna Zellner North Tonawanda historian cutting the cake celebrating North Tonawanda's 107 Birthday, cake donated by Budwey's in store Bakery

2004 107th birthday cake donated by Budwey's in-store bakery.

1930 Herschell Spillman Company at Oliver and Goundry, North Tonawanda

1943 Rose Dumais, with brother-in-law James Budwey at the Town Casino on Delaware Avenue in Buffalo , New York .

1961 Dora Spaziani's started at Budwey's, she was Frank Budwey's second mom. Dora taught Frank everything he knows about the produce department.
Dora worked for us for over 20 years. Every one loved Dora, and worked very hard to help the Budwey family survive among the toughest competition. Her daughter Toni Capello started in 1960 and worked at Budwey's for fourteen years. Dora's two granddaughters Diane, and Susie also worked for Budwey's. Dora passed away last year in 2003. She will always be remembered.

The Spaziani's will always be part of the Budwey's Family.

1985 Grand opening of Budwey's Bells newly expanded 10,000 sq. ft. Addition. Bulk Manger Ken, Deli Clerk Ruth, Deli Manager June Anzalone (retired from Budwey's in 2003), Frank Budwey, Rodney Budwey, Meat supervisor, Sal Giglia Service Meat Manager, Chuck Tedesco Meat Manager, and David Watroba store manager.

Gerry Dumais II meat cutter at 535 Division Street passed away at the young age of 37, Leaving behind his wife Barbara and five children, Jerry Dumais III, Jason, Guy, Josh and daughter Janelle. His son Jerry Dumais III today is our meat manager he brings you the best Meat Bonanza Sales you have ever seen. His father is proudly looking down at him, as we are proud of Jerry and his staff continuing to give great service to all of our Budwey's customers!!!!!

All in the family Orlando "Ory" Bartolomei, his son Guy, and grandson Scott all learned the meat cutting business at Budwey's. Ory started in 1940, His son Guy started in 1972 and his son Scott started in 200 1. Young Scott is just learning the meat business, he is very happy to follow in his father and grandfathers footsteps. Ory's daughters Jody, Joy, Lisa and wife Vivian all were Budwey cashiers. Ory recalls having to wake up Rodney Budwey for work on a daily basis!

Ory showed Rodney the tricks of the trade. Rodney in return trained Ory's son Guy how to cut meat, and now Rodney is training Scott the way Rodney learned form Ory! The Bartolomei's always played a large part in the success of Budwey's!

1957 Ory in the meat department with wrapper Jean King.

1995 Frank Budwex was forced out of business by his wholesaler ScriverlFlemming Companies and actually sold his Bells Supermarket to the wholesaler to change to Jubilee. Month after month, year after year Budwey's past employees and past customers kept telling Frank that he would have to take the store back because Flemming was going to close it. The seventy employee's would have been out of work. Today Budwey's is here to stay with 110 employee's.

From left to right; June Anzalone deli mgr., Frank, Renee Toole bakery mgr., Le Ann Vanthoff bakery, Next, Michelle Reimer cashier, Frank, Patty Edwards cashier, Next, Frank, Frank Anastasi retired, David Watroba store mgr, Shorty Vanthoff dairy/ frozen mgr, Next, Jennifer Schumacker ( Arnst) Lead front end mgr, with brother Frank, Connie Lizinski scan coordinator, Frank, Lori McCulure front end mgr, Kathy Weaver,friendlist cashier, Next, Frank, Janet Hickman cashier, Betty Papsiderio produce clerk, Frank receives plaque from employees while his daughter Cherisse looks up. Frank with his mother Flora, brother Rodney and sister Sally. Next, Jody Hodgson officer clerk, Frank, Mary Lorango bookkeeper, and Erica Heim office manager, Next Justin, Frank, Flora, Frank Bellina produce mgr., Next Siobhan and Justin Budwey with their father Frank, Next again Justin Budwey sneaks into another picture along with his father Jerry Dumais III, David Overholt meat mgr, Kevin McGinness first cutter.

Budwey's out bid all grocers for The Blue Ribbon Black Angus Cattle, from the 4H Club.

Friday the 13th was a lucky day for Jaimee Reed 3rd from right in a Easter contest She won a 20lb chocolate rabbit. From left David Watroba store manager, mother, Mrs. Linda Reed, Frank Budwey owner, Jaimee, brother Joel Reed and Father Don Reed.

Super Duper Lovers softball team, do you know who they are???

Frank Budwey reading a story book to the school children at Gilmore School

Budweys over 30 years or older softball team, Do you know who the players are?

1984 The Budwey Memorial Scholarships were presented at a Zonta Meeting. Flora Budwey Arnst, Diana Denik (N.T.H.S.), Debby Colton (Ton. H.S.), Sally Budwey Vanthoff.

1987 Budwey Sponsors the N.T.L.L. Pee Wees. Do you know who these little ones are?

1979 Super Duper lovers team with coach Mark Budwey far left standing, Players; Michelle Reimer, Sandy Straka, Paula Bonante,Chris Engle, Mary Shanahan, Joanne Binagerio, Linda Giuseppetti, Reni Budwey, Coach Frank Budwey. Kneeling from left to right are players Sheryl Zarshay, Jennifer Schumacher, Carol Habuda, Jane Whipple, Cindy Schumacher, and Jody Ziehm.

1954 Little POW WOW at Budweys, Life Magazine carried advertisements introducing a new brand of canned meats produced by the Rath Co. Their trademark featured a profile of an American Indian wearing the Headdress of a Chief.

1990 Budwey's donates eggs for Easter Egg Hunt, held at Pinewoods Park . Do you know who the little girl is looking for the eggs? I do it's my daughter Cherisse Budwey, at the age 6.

1989 Frank Budwey at Spruce School reading to the children

1993 Frank Budwey, Gabe Dibernardo, David Watroba, Budwey's donating a cake for the N. T. High School seniors picnic. This year the North Tonawanda Police and Budwey's sponsored the picnic now being held at Gratwick Hose Fire Company. Captain Gabe Dibernando started this picnic in 1980.

1980 Center picture Budwey Plaza with Garden Center where Anderson 's Custard is today.

From the beginning of James Norman Budwey's Supermarket it has brought many marriages together between employees working with each other. We know our memories have missed many of these. Please let us know so we can update our Wedding Bell List. Also please include a wedding picture of you, and your spouse. Remember you had to work together at Budwey's before you were married. One couple that comes to mind is Elio DeAngelo and Theresa Arnot. Both were employee's that met here, and were married. Their daughter Lisa was told by office manager Theresa Kenney that she would meet her husband here, but Lisa was un sure that would happen. She than met Tony Dell'Isola and they were married.

Listed below is the year they met at Budwey's:

1934 James N. Budwey & Flora Pallota

1942 Norman Dumais & Rose Pallota

1948 James N. Budwey Jr. & Barbara Scheweichler

1956 Edward Arnst & Flora Pallota Budwey

1958 Ernie Vigrass & Jean King

1958 Pete Hallows & JoAnn Vigrass

1962 Larry Corsaro & Carol Clement

1963 Elio DeAngelo & Theresa Arnot

1967 Thomas Kobel & Patty Maiolo

1967 Craig Dumais & Betty Doddril

1969 Tom Swartz & Lori Maiolo

1969 Carl Stiles & Linda Caradonna

1973 Tom Lewis & Nadine Noto

1973 Herbie Hall & Charlene

1977 Ernie Green & Cindy Lindsey

1978 Tom Ballou & Diane Rizzo

1978 Rick McClure & Lori Gosher

1978 Scott Holdaway & Patty Fanto

1980 Peter Witt & Shelly Oliverio

1984 Frank DiBernardo & Patty Poliniak

1984 Troy Rank & Wendy Fiore

1985 Tony Dell'Isola & Lisa DeAngelo

1989 Brian Martin & Cathy Thomas

1989 Michael Lopez & Paula Arnst

1990 Tom Kavanagh & Shelly Sukdolak

One of my regrets is that we do not have pictures of all our employee's. If anyone has pictures you would like to share, please drop off a copy, because we can add to these photo's sometime in the future.

I sincerely Thank all of my Employees that have kept us going and growing over the years.

THANKS TO ALL OF OUR CUSTOMERS PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE!!! WITH YOUR SUPPORT BUDWEY'S WILL GO ON FOR ANOTHER 80 YEARS.

    There are no vegetarians in Orlando Bartolomei's family.

    They should consider themselves lucky.

    “I don't like people throwing stones at my profession,” the 76-year-old said with a grimace, followed by a cheerful smile to show his comment was in jest.

    Ory, as he is known to friends, is a career meat cutter from the days when they were still called butchers. Cleavers — seemingly inefficient compared to the electric saws now available —were the tool of choice to dissect the cattle carcasses that hung from hooks in the chilly meat room at the back of Budwey's Market in North Tonawanda. He completed a two-year apprenticeship at the supermarket in the 1940s that taught him about the different cuts of meat and where to find them on the animal.

    It was a job that took precision, great skill and a pretty good knowledge of biology. Ory, who started at Budwey's as a general helper when he was just 12, spent decades chopping meat and serving customers before moving on to another store.

    But the Bartolomei name continued on at Budwey's even after Ory, who was managing the meat department by the time he was 17, left for another store.

    His son, 48-year-old Guy, and then grandson, 19-year-old Scott, followed Ory's career path, making for three generations of Bartolomei meat cutters at Budwey's, which once had multiple locations across the Tonawandas and Western New York.

    “I think any time one of your children follows in your footsteps, it's a plus,” Ory said. “But I wish I would have known they were going to; I'd have opened up a family meat business.”

    Each of the Bartolomei men say they've chosen meat cutting as a life-long career because it allows them to work with people — something they all enjoy — and offers plenty of variety.

    Supermarket owner Frank Budwey said it's not uncommon to have generations of families working at Budwey's, or even couples marrying and then having children who go on to work for the store. “We've had an awful lot of fathers and sons, mothers and daughters working here,” he said. “We've even had marriages, and then their children go on to work for us.”

    Guy, who like his father got his start in the meat business at Budwey's, worked at the store for 10 years before moving on. He was hired on in the early 1970s and remembers when the butcher business was the way his father remembers. “There was a lot more to learn back then,” he said. “The cattle came in quarters and we had to break it down into pieces. Guys today might look at it and scratch their heads. Now, all the meat comes broken down and in boxes.”

    Scott said the job still requires plenty of skill, although it's not as physically demanding as when his grandfather and father first learned the profession. He started work at Budwey's about three years ago as a cashier and later moved to the meat department, where his father and grandfather have many good memories. “It seemed like it would be a fun place to work,” Scott said. “The people are great. I just like everything about working here.”

LITTLE POWWOW AT BUDWEY'S

Picture courtesy of Tonawanda News
Saturday, March 6, 2004
Flashback in Community News
by William C. Wittkowsky

    In 1954, Life magazine carried advertisements introducing a new brand of canned meats produced by the Rath Co. Rath's trademark featured a profile of an American Indian wearing the headdress of a chief.

    Locally, Budwey's Market was involved in the Rath promotional program in which children were given feathered headdresses that read “Finer flavored meats from the land of corn.” At that time, Iowa and Illinois were the leading corn-growing states.

    In this wonderful photograph, Flora Budwey is pictured at top center. That's 5-year-old Frank Budwey standing on the bottom step next to the man in authentic native dress. Flashback readers may recognize other children in the group.

    Fifty years ago, when this picture was taken, Budwey's Market was at 395 Division St. in North Tonawanda where Muscoreil's Fine Desserts now is located. Today, Budwey's Super Market is in the Budwey Plaza, and this family business is celebrating its 82nd year in the Tonawandas.