Employees of the Thomas Bros. Foodliner store stand behind the meat counter prior to the grand opening of their University Place supermarket in September, 1951. Self-service meats were one of the many new conveniences at the Red & White Food Store; a customer could easily choose from a variety of pre-packaged meats without waiting for a butcher. Their full page ads on September 12th indicated that sliced bacon was available for 59 cents a pound and pork chops for 75 cents. Other new conveniences were refrigerated produce, high-speed conveyor checkstands and automatic doors. The Frank Thomas, Sr., family had opened their small grocery store 46 years ago at the corner of what was then Regents park and Western road. The Thomas brothers, Al, Frank and Joe, grew up helping to run the family store. The new store, built at nearly the same location of W. 27th and Grandview, has maintained its affiliation with the Red & White Food chain. Photograph ordered by Consolidated Service, Seattle. (TNT 9-12-51, A-6, A-10, A-11) TPL-8774

Thomas Bros. Foodliner (University Place); Grocery stores--University Place--1950-1960; Merchandise displays; Food--University Place--1950-1960;

The Frank Thomas, Sr., family established their small grocery store in University Place 46 years ago. The Thomas brothers, Al, Frank and Joe, grew up helping their mother run the business, working every day including Sundays. They opened up an ultra-modern full scale supermarket in September, 1951, as a Red & White Food Store in University Place. Their two full page ads on September 12, 1951, offered prizes, free balloons and merry-go-round rides for children, and free coffee and cake for all customers. View of showcase of fresh refrigerated fruits and vegetables including squash, peppers, eggplant and tomatoes. Red Tokay grapes were listed in the ads at two pounds for 25 cents; Danver yellow onions at 3 pounds for 10 cents. Stacks of Coca Cola bottles are positioned next to the display counter and there are several elaborate floral arrangements on the shelf above the produce. Photograph commissioned by Consolidated Service, Seattle. (TNT 9-12-51, A-6, A-10, A-11)

Thomas Bros. Foodliner (University Place); Grocery stores--University Place--1950-1960; Merchandise displays; Food--University Place--1950-1960;

The Thomas Bros. Foodliner in University Place had its grand opening in September, 1951. Owned and operated by Al, Frank and Joe Thomas, it was a modern supermarket with self-service meat department, refrigerated produce, high speed conveyor checkstands, and even automatic doors. Thomas Bros. carried a wide variety of foods, including this row of Chun King chow mein, mixed vegetables and Hunt's tomatoes. View of canned foods, lightbulbs. (TNT 9-12-51, A-6, A-10, A-11)

Thomas Bros. Foodliner (University Place); Grocery stores--University Place--1950-1960; Merchandise displays; Food--University Place--1950-1960;

Thomas Grocery Company, store interior. Aisle of canned foods and bagged "Red and White" coffee. September of 1951 saw the grand opening of the Thomas Bros. Foodliner in University Place. Al, Frank and Joe Thomas had been in the grocery business since they assisted their family, the Frank Thomas Srs., as youngsters. This supermarket stood nearly at the location of the old family store. It was considered a very modern business, offering customers the convenience of pre-packaged meats, high-speed conveyor checkstands and refrigerated produce. A wide selection of foods was available for the discerning shopper.

Thomas Bros. Foodliner (University Place); Grocery stores--University Place--1950-1960; Merchandise displays--University Place; Food--University Place--1950-1960;