A Century of Sales: Sokup’s has a 127-year reputation for great meat

Haley Wright, photos by Andrea Paulseth

Peter Sokup
Peter Sokup

Sokup’s Market, a well-known landmark at 624 N. Bridge St. in Chippewa Falls, has operated continuously in its present location since 1894, and is currently being run by the fourth generation of Sokups: Peter and his wife, Kathy.

Joseph Sokup – Peter’s great-grandfather – opened the market as a full-service grocery store in 1891 on the corner of Bay and Willow streets. His son, whose name was also Peter, was born in the apartment above the store’s current location. Peter's son, John, bought the store from him and expanded the its focus to meat.  Still another generation later, there’s still a Sokup managing the market.

“We were born and raised in the family business and just followed our parents’ footsteps,” says Peter, the present-day owner.

Sokup’s Market has been a success, Peter says, because each generation that has taken over has held on to the traditions that sustained the business for decades, namely friendly customer service and quality meats. While the business has always been a family owned and operated full-service grocery store, it is well known for its meat department, which features extra lean ground beef, choice steaks, and homemade sausages. The store also offers a large variety of cheeses. Serving meats at a fair price and knowing what the customer needs sets the market apart from big-box stores, and keeps customers coming back, Peter said. Customers from all over the Chippewa Valley and even greater western Wisconsin frequent the store for its quality products.

In terms of plans for the future, Sokup’s Market will continue to serve the needs of its customers, Peter said. He said all of those who enter the store will find, “Great prices, friendly atmosphere and employees who take pride in helping our customers.”

Sokup’s Market • 624 N. Bridge St., Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-4953 • Find it on Facebook