ABOUT US
Learn About Alwan's Rich History
In 1930, just after the Great Depression, Oscar Alwan traveled to the United States from Lebanon to open Alwan's Market on the south side of Peoria.
Over time, business grew, and Oscar decided to send for his family to join him inPeoria. His brother Mason was one of these family members.
In 1957, Mason and his sons, Joe and Willie decided to move out on their own. Peoria was growing, and they felt business would be better more uptown. It was then that they decided it was time to move. They purchased the location at 703 E. War Memorial Drive, which was known as Carlson's Market at the time. Here, they were able to offer more products to their customers.
The father and sons opened their store, and Joe headed off to serve in the Navy. While he was gone, Mason and his son Willie worked hard to expand their business. In 1962, they constructed a new building on War Memorial Drive in Peoria Heights. The brothers were able to focus more on becoming a specialty butcher shop, instead of just a regular grocery store. This is where history began.
Once Joe returned from serving in the Navy, he and his brother Willie decided to venture out on their own so their dad could retire. To reflect the change in business, the store became known as Alwan Brothers Meat Market.
In 2001, the third generation of Alwans — Brian and his cousins Joe, and Pat — decided to come together and carry on their fathers’ names. They took over the business as Alwan & Sons Meat Company. This change brought the company into the new millennium, offering their customers the same great service.
In 2005, the three owners decided it was time for bigger and better things. With business booming, more room and the latest technology was needed. In September of 2005, the property adjacent to the original building was prepared for new construction. Then, in April of 2006, the old store closed and was demolished to make room for the parking lot of the new store.
On April 19th, 2006, the doors of the new store were open, and customers were amazed with the fresh-looking store and found themselves still pleased with the same quality meats and wonderful service.
Today, customers old and new, still comment on how much better things are, and what a wonderful store the Alwan's have. Employees have been part of the company for as long as thirty years, and we are still growing every day.
At Alwan & Sons, our employees pride themselves on customer service. We all like to make sure that every customer’s needs are met and that they are satisfied with the products they buy.
