Grocery Greatness on 4000 West: The Story of Hutchinsons' Store No. 2

Hutchinsons Fine Foods No. 2: A Cornerstone of Karen Lee Neighborhood

In July 1964, the Hutchinson family proudly opened their second store—Hutchinsons Fine Foods No. 2—at 4122 South 4000 West, nestled within the growing Karen Lee residential complex in the Granger area. This 6,000-square-foot, $80,000 grocery store quickly became a trusted resource for fresh food, friendly service, and neighborhood convenience.

The store was part of a multi-generational legacy led by J. Marvell Hutchinson Sr., a well-respected Utah grocer who began his retail career in 1935. A graduate of Brigham Young University and former president of the Utah Retail Grocers Association, Mr. Hutchinson had already made a name for himself with his original store on 1700 East in Salt Lake.

At the Karen Lee location, the next generation took the reins. His son, John M. Hutchinson Jr., just 29 years old and a graduate of the University of Utah, served as store manager. John's younger brother, Delbert M. Hutchinson, a Westminster College graduate, oversaw the meat department with skill and attention to quality.

More than just a grocery store, Hutchinsons No. 2 was a gathering place for neighbors and a reliable part of daily life for families in the area. Its aisles reflected the hard work and integrity of a family deeply committed to serving their community with excellence.

This store became a model of how local, family-owned businesses could grow with the neighborhood while preserving personal service and hometown values. And just a few years later, that same spirit would inspire the opening of store #3 at 6000 West 3500 South, continuing the Hutchinson legacy westward.