Vision Statement

Ettline Foods is an employee owned, foodservice distributor committed to quality integrity and growth. We are dedicated to providing the finest service available to our customers and suppliers. We will strive to be the first choice in foodservice distribution in the geographic markets we serve.

Mission Statement

Ettline Foods Corporation is a broadline foodservice distributor that has been in business since 1889.
Our mission is to…

• Create a partnership with our customers and suppliers predicated on quality, value and service by every employee.
• Provide a safe and mutually beneficial work environment for our associates.
• Share responsibility for the success of every area of our business by each Ettline team member.
• Achieve satisfactory returns for our shareholders.
• Actively participate in community affairs that support Ettline Foods and our associates.

Company History

In 1889, Oscar O. Ettline started a business at 21 West Philadelphia Street in York, Pennsylvania selling practically everything a person might need: dishes, pots, pans, gardening tools, and all kinds of groceries.
In the 1930's, after the death of his first wife, Ettline married Mable Workinger. After only a few years of marriage, Oscar Ettline died. In 1939, Mable Ettline married Gordon Knaub.
Together the Knaubs operated the business. A delivery service was started to make deliveries to farmers and local residents. Under Mr. Knaub's leadership, the business grew and expanded so much that in the early 1960's additional property was purchased on Philadelphia Street. Ettline Grocery Company occupied six buildings.
In 1967, Gordon Knaub died suddenly. Shortly after Mr. Knaub's death, Mrs. Knaub became ill, and she sold the business to George L. Stallman, Jr.
In 1970, the business was moved from Philadelphia Street to a leased warehouse located at Mulberry and Hay Street in York. At this point, the name of the business was changed to Ettline Foods Corporation. In 1971, Mr. Stallman found the permanent location he had been searching for at 525 State Street in York.
In 1973, Ettline added fresh produce to the line of foodservice items available to customers. Also in 1973, to better serve our customers, Ettline opened a Cash & Carry store. Ettline Foods needed to establish a brand identification that linked Ettline Foods to the products it sold. Ettline Foods became one of the early members of the Nugget Distributors of America Cooperative. The Nugget label identified Ettline Foods as a purveyor of consistently high quality products.
In 1974, Ettline engaged a company to perform computer services. In 1976, the first company operated computer was installed. Since 1976, Ettline has maintained and upgraded computer systems in order to maintain its competitive stature in the marketplace.
In 1977, Mr. Stallman sold Ettline Foods Corporation to a group who tripled Ettline's size in 12 years. In 1982, frozen storage capacity was substantially in creased with the addition of a freezer, and expansion of refrigerated storage space. In 1989 Ettline Foods Corporation was sold to Martin J. Whelan and members of the Whelan family.
In 2004, the company established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Ettline Foods is now not only independent but also employee owned.
Today Ettline Foods Corporation is a thriving foodservice distribution business that serves customers in four states from our 105,000 square foot facility on State Street in York, Pennsylvania. Our size, product variety, and operating capacity easily ranks Ettline Foods with the top 1% of companies in our industry.