Wholey’s: A Century-Long Legacy of Seafood Excellence in Pittsburgh
Wholey’s (Officially Robert Wholey & Co., Inc.), a renowned name in the seafood industry in Pittsburgh, has been serving the nation for more than a century. The Pittsburgh-based company has remained true to its mission: to offer the freshest products at the best prices while maintaining a fun and friendly atmosphere.
Wholey’s Beginnings
The saga of Wholey’s began in the year 1912 when Robert L. Wholey laid the foundation of “Wholey’s Butter & Egg Store” in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania. The humble beginnings involved selling live poultry, meats, sausages, and coffees. Robert L.’s son, Robert C. Wholey, began working with his father at a young age, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit by starting his own businesses including selling live Christmas trees and setting up fruit and vegetable stands.
A New Era Begins
After his service as a captain in World War II, Robert C. Wholey returned home in 1948 and opened the “Robert Wholey Company Poultry Market” in the Diamond Market in downtown Pittsburgh. He sold fresh poultry, including dressed chicken, eggs, duck, and turkey, and introduced the popular chicken barbeques in 1955.
Relocation to the Strip District
In 1959, the Diamond Market area transformed into a park, now known as Market Square. This led Robert C. to move his business to its current location at 1711 Penn Avenue in the Strip District. At that time, the Strip District was primarily a warehouse district with trains continually delivering foodstuffs to the Pittsburgh market.
Broadening the Product Line
The 1960s marked the expansion of Wholey’s product line. In 1960, Robert C. introduced fresh fish and seafood, importing them from all over the United States for his retail and wholesale customers. This growth led him to hire a fleet of trucks in 1961 for direct deliveries to customers. In 1967, he further expanded his line by adding fresh meat.
Continued Growth and Expansion
Wholey’s growth was unstoppable. In 1980, the company purchased the Federal Cold Storage building at 1501 Penn Avenue. This location served as a storage for their frozen products, the company’s headquarters, and the wholesale division.
In 1988, Wholey’s became famous for the “Wholey Whiting,” a type of fish popular in the tri-state area. This led to the creation of Wholey International, which packed and distributed the Wholey Whiting and other products nationally and worldwide.
In 1997, the company opened Western Pennsylvania’s largest cold storage facility in Cranberry Township. This facility was open to companies from all over the country to store their products for distribution through Pennsylvania and neighboring states.
Wholey’s Today
Today, Wholey’s stands as a Pittsburgh legacy and a landmark in the Strip District. The company offers a wide variety of high-quality seafood and other products, making it a one-stop shop for customers.
The company’s primary focus remains the same: to provide top-notch customer service and the freshest products. This has been the guiding principle for Wholey’s throughout its journey, from selling poultry in a small store to becoming one of the largest importers of frozen seafood in the United States.
Wholey’s Community Involvement
Wholey’s is not just a business; it’s an integral part of the Pittsburgh community. The company has always been generous to local causes. One such initiative is a life-size bronze piggy bank named Rachael, where customers can drop their change, which Wholey’s matches before donating it to the Children’s Institute.
Online Presence
Wholey’s has also embraced the digital age, making it easy for customers to order fresh fish and other products online and have them delivered directly to their doors. This has further increased the accessibility and availability of their products, ensuring the continuation of their century-long legacy.
The Robert Wholey Company has come a long way since its inception in 1912. Their dedication and commitment to quality, customer service, and community engagement have made them a beloved institution in Pittsburgh. With their continued growth and expansion, Wholey’s is poised to serve their customers with the finest and freshest seafood, meat, fish, and poultry for many more years to come.
