Community Supermarket chain celebrates 94 years of business

Celebrating 94 years of business is a blessing for Howard “Howie” Rosenberg, who strives to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather when it comes to running the Community Supermarket chain.

“When my grandfather was here, he stressed about taking care of customers, so we try to follow what he encompassed,” Rosenberg said.

His grandfather, Louis Rosenberg, founded the Community Supermarket in Penn Hills in 1927 on Leechburg Road. In 1970, Louis Rosenberg’s sons, Jerry and Paul, took over as owners. Howard Rosenberg would begin working in 1986 and work his way up to owner. He has been owner of the supermarket for the past five years and is co-owner with with George Thimons.

Reflecting on 94 years of business, Rosenberg said he feels blessed to be able to contribute to some of those years. A lowkey celebration was held for the occasion.

“It feels good to make it to 94. Not many businesses can say that, and I am proud,” he said.

The supermarket has expanded with branches in Lower Burrell, Natrona Heights and Bloomfield. There were also pharmacies added to the Penn Hills and Lower Burrell locations through a partnership with Giant Eagle. Rosenberg said the expansion has helped make the business better.

“It has been a good move for us,” he said.

Improving the business is always on Rosenberg’s mind, as he hopes to be able to start selling beer and wine in the store to help cater to younger adults. He also hopes to add self-checkout machines.

“We feel like we do OK with keeping up with things, but we can do better,” he said.

While the stores have remained afloat and in good standing, Rosenberg said it has been tough to find employees for all four stores since covid hit. He is worried stores will not be able to get people by September, when younger employees start school.

“It has been tough trying to replace people,” he said.

Despite the setback, Rosenberg takes pride in creating a camaraderie among his employees and having a store with a loyal customer base.

Manager Drew Englert has worked for the store since he was 16 years old. He enjoys seeing the different generations of customers who come in to shop.

“It’s cool to talk to customers who started shopping at the store when they were kids, and now you see them with their kids or grandkids. It’s a family tradition when people shop here,” Englert said.

Tim Thomas, who works in the produce department, said the environment is “very positive.”

“This is a tight-knit community, and we really get to know the customers. After a while they become your friends,” Thomas said.

Taking care of his employees and customers has been a priority for Rosenberg, who strives to remain visible and allow people to put a name to a face of who is running the store his grandfather birthed.

”I feel blessed to work all these years,” Rosenberg said. “I like who I work with and the customers. It has been a pretty satisfying experience.”