MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. -- Services were held here this week for Al Pontius, founder of the six-store Al‘s Supermarkets chain in Indiana. He died Jan. 6 of cancer at age 81. Pontius opened the first Al‘s location in Michigan City after returning from Navy service in 1946. His Lakeshore Foods company eventually added a location in Michigan City, as well as stores in LaPorte and South Haven, Ind., and a Barney‘s Market store in New Buffalo, Mich. Pontius‘ son Gil runs the company today, but Al remained active in the business, employees said.
Al's Supermarkets Founder Dies at 81
MICHIGAN CITY, Ind. -- Services were held here this week for Al Pontius, founder of the six-store Al's Supermarkets chain in Indiana.