Arizona is notably one of the youngest states in the United States, but people long occupied the land before statehood, creating rich historical landmarks, some of which are still standing.
Although Arizona received its statehood in 1912, the state’s oldest store existed even before that, marking itself on the Phoenix Historic Registry as the oldest continually operating general store in the state.
The store has been open since the early 1900s and still serves Phoenix as a local market and grocery store, even preserving some historic elements within the store.
Here is the oldest continuously operating store in Arizona.
Arizona’s oldest grocery and general store
Del Monte Market at 2659 W. Dobbins Road in Laveen opened in 1908 and has continued to stay open for 118 years.
It was originally called “Brutcher’s Store” and served as a grocery store, but it went through several ownership changes over 118 years. Now the sign reads “Del Monte Market” and sells tamales, corner store snacks, liquor and other conveniences.
However, the decorative brick building separates it from other corner stores, maintaining its vintage feel as well as a hitching post for those who still choose to ride horseback to the store.
The historic store hangs a plaque marking its historic registry in Phoenix.
Oldest businesses in Phoenix
Arizona is filled with historic buildings that still operate today and serve as a reminder of the past.
- Valley Machine Works at 1138 W. Watkins St. in Phoenix is the oldest continuously operating machine shop in Arizona. It has been in operation since 1909, although it changed buildings in 2019.
- The Palace Restaurant and Saloon at 120 S. Montezuma St. in Prescott is the oldest operating bar in Arizona, having opened in 1887.
- MacAlpine’s Soda Fountain at 2303 N. Seventh St. in Phoenix has been making homemade soda and desserts since 1929.
Reporting by Paige Moore, Arizona Republic
