Dirty John's Grocery: Iowa Time Machine May 25, 1979

Iowa Time Machine ⏰: On May 24, 1950, the Iowa City Press-Citizen reported on a hold-up at John’s Grocery in Iowa City. The first mention of John Alberhasky’s iconic neighborhood grocery store in the local paper, the bandit made off with $130 in cash. In business since 1948, “Dirty John’s Grocery” survived the burglary and went on to become one of Iowa’s longest-running local grocery stores. 

Built in 1848, the building at the corner of Gilbert and Market in Iowa City hosted a fire station, saloon, barbershop, small factory, and another grocery store before John and Erma Alberhasky purchased the business in 1948. Erma’s legendary ham salad sandwiches, made for local school kids, launched the deli portion of the business. 

Affectionately nicknamed “Dirty John’s” since the 1950s, a moniker that stuck after a playful incident involving a stack of Playboy magazines and some mischievous junior high students, the store also grew a reputation as holding one of the Midwest’s most impressive beer selections.

Through six generations, the Alberhasky family has kept John’s Grocery thriving by blending tradition with innovation, giving back to the community, raising nearly $1 million for charity, and providing countless first jobs to locals. Today, Doug Alberhasky and his family continue to honor their legacy, making John’s not just a place to shop, but a living piece of Iowa City history where every customer is treated like family. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar