Your in-depth resource for everything about Fareway Stores—from its Iowa roots and full-service meat counters to weekly ads, online shopping, and why this family-owned chain is closed on Sundays.
Fareway: Where Meat is the Message
If you’ve driven through the American Midwest, you’ve likely seen the familiar Fareway sign—a trusted symbol of fresh meat, friendly service, and small-town values. Founded in 1938 and still family-owned, Fareway has grown to more than 140 stores across seven states without losing its focus on what matters most: quality products, personalized service, and a shopping experience that feels like home. And yes, every single store is closed on Sundays—a tradition that speaks volumes about the company’s commitment to family and community.
Fareway at a Glance
Founded
1938 by Paul S. Beckwith in Boone, Iowa
Headquarters
Johnston, Iowa (moved from Boone in 2024)
Signature Department
Full-service meat market (USDA Choice beef)
Locations
144+ stores across Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Kansas, and Missouri [citation:2]
The Fareway Story: 80+ Years of Midwestern Values
On May 12, 1938, Paul S. Beckwith opened the first Fareway store at 624 Story Street in Boone, Iowa [citation:1]. At the time, the concept of a self-service grocery store was revolutionary. Shoppers could actually pick out their own groceries rather than handing a list to a clerk. Shopping carts were a novelty—they were called “rubber-tired gliders” that carried baskets [citation:4].
Beckwith had previously worked as a meat supervisor for a large grocery chain but grew disillusioned with how employees and customers were being treated. He envisioned something different: a store where happy employees served satisfied customers. He shared this dream with Fred E. Vitt, a merchant known for treating people fairly, who became the first store manager and vice president [citation:4].
The name “Fareway” was carefully chosen to convey multiple meanings: a wide range of “fare” (foods), a “bill of fare” (grocery list), and treating customers and employees fairly—the “fair way” to do business [citation:1][citation:4]. That philosophy still guides the company today.
When deciding where to expand, Beckwith famously said they would “follow the black dirt”—building stores in rural Midwestern communities where people were hard-working, understood the value of a dollar, and prioritized family [citation:4]. That strategy created the Fareway we know today.
The Fareway Meat Market: A Cut Above
If you ask anyone what makes Fareway special, the answer will almost certainly be the meat department. It’s not just a counter—it’s the heart of the store.
Full-Service, Always
Behind the glass case, you’ll find actual butchers—not just employees stocking pre-packaged meat. They’ll custom-cut your order, answer questions, and offer cooking advice.
USDA Choice Beef
From day one, Fareway has committed to selling only USDA Choice beef or higher. The very first ad in 1938 featured sirloin and T-bone steaks for 25¢ a pound [citation:4].
Custom Orders Welcome
Need a specific roast thickness? Party trays? Specialty cuts? The meat market team will make it happen.
Double Your Money Back Guarantee
Fareway stands behind its quality with an extraordinary promise: if you’re not satisfied with any product, they’ll double your money back [citation:8].
More Than Meat: Departments Across the Store
While the meat market is the star, Fareway offers a full grocery experience:
Farm-Fresh Produce
Seasonal fruits and vegetables, often sourced from local growers when available.
Bakery
Fresh bread, rolls, cookies, and custom-decorated cakes for celebrations.
Deli
Sliced meats and cheeses, party trays, and prepared foods for easy meals.
Dairy & Frozen
All the essentials, plus local dairy favorites depending on your location.
Pharmacy
Select locations offer full-service pharmacies with prescriptions and immunizations.
Floral & Gift
Fresh flowers, plants, and arrangements for all occasions.
Additional services at many stores: lottery, Western Union, and fuel centers at select locations [citation:1][citation:8].
Why Is Fareway Closed on Sundays?
If you’re new to the Midwest, you might be surprised to pull up to a Fareway on Sunday and find the doors locked. It’s not a mistake—it’s a choice.
Every Fareway store is closed on Sundays, a tradition that dates back to the company’s founding. It allows employees to spend time with their families and reflects the company’s faith-friendly culture [citation:10]. Store hours are typically Monday-Saturday, 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM [citation:3]. On major holidays, stores may close early or remain closed—another reflection of Fareway’s commitment to work-life balance.
Saving Money at Fareway
- Weekly Ad: New sales run each week, featuring meat specials, produce deals, and pantry staples. You can browse the ad online or pick up a copy in-store [citation:3][citation:9].
- Email Sign-Up: Subscribe on the Fareway website to receive weekly ads and promotions directly in your inbox [citation:3].
- Red Dot Specials: Look for items with red sale tags throughout the store—these are your best deals of the week.
- Bulk Meat Buys: Watch for sales on family packs and bulk meat purchases. Many shoppers invest in chest freezers to stock up when prices are low.
- Price Matching: Fareway is known for competitive pricing, but check your local store for specific price-match policies.
Pro tip: The best meat deals often appear in the Wednesday ad, so plan your shopping accordingly.
Fareway Online: Modern Convenience, Same Quality
Fareway has embraced e-commerce while maintaining its personal touch. Through Shop.Fareway.com and the Fareway mobile app, customers can order groceries for pickup at participating locations [citation:5].
How It Works
- $30 minimum order (no pickup fee)
- Select your pickup time
- Park in designated spots, alert the store via app or text, and they’ll load your car
Important Notes
- Prices and promotions may differ online vs. in-store [citation:5]
- Weighted items (meat, produce) are priced after picking
- Coupons are not accepted for online orders [citation:5]
- SNAP/EBT and gift cards not currently accepted online [citation:5]
Growing the Fareway Family
Fareway continues to grow thoughtfully, opening new stores in communities that fit the “black dirt” philosophy. Recent openings include a 21,000-square-foot store in Granger, Iowa (December 2025), serving that growing community with fresh produce, pantry staples, and the signature full-service meat market [citation:2].
In 2024, the company moved its headquarters from Boone to nearby Johnston, Iowa, to better accommodate its expanding operations [citation:1][citation:8]. Today, Fareway employs more than 13,000 people and is consistently ranked as a top employer in Iowa [citation:2].
The company has also expanded through acquisitions, including McGonigle’s KC BBQ + Catering and Brewer Foods, and operates FarewayMeatMarket.com for online meat orders [citation:1].
A Company That Cares: Fareway’s People First Approach
Fareway’s commitment to “fair way” extends to its employees. In 2018, the company introduced a groundbreaking student loan debt benefit: $100 per month (up to $5,000 total) for eligible full-time employees to help pay down student loans. This placed Fareway among just 4% of U.S. companies offering such a benefit at the time [citation:1][citation:10].
The Beckwith family still owns and leads the company, with Paul’s granddaughter, P. Sue Beckwith, MD, serving as Chairman of the Board. Reynolds Cramer (great-grandson of the founder) is CEO [citation:1][citation:7].
From a single store in Boone, Iowa, to more than 140 locations across the Midwest, Fareway has grown without losing its soul. The full-service meat market remains the destination. The commitment to quality—backed by a double-your-money-back guarantee—remains unwavering. And the decision to close on Sundays remains a proud tradition. Whether you’re a lifelong Midwesterner or new to the region, a trip to Fareway offers something increasingly rare: a grocery experience that feels personal, trustworthy, and genuinely fair.