Al Joe’s, Inc.

Al-Joe’s was founded in 1921 by Albert Huesman and Joseph Huber as a bird seed store. Al-Joe’s took on pet supplies and small pets such as hamsters, birds, turtles, monkeys, and fish. Remarkably, Al-Joe’s was able to survive the Great Depression in 1929-1939. In the 40’s Joe Huber left the business to help with the WWII effort and Al was left to run the business. As the popularity of “victory gardens”” grew Al-Joe’s took on more garden seeds and supplies. In the 1950’s Paul Grollmus had married Al’s daughter Carol Huesman and entered the business. Al-Joe’s started to handle more power equipment and in 1966 moved to 173 N. Brookwood Avenue, the current address of Al-Joe’s Pet & Garden. In the 90’s Paul had retired from the business and left it to 3 of his children, Gary, Mike, and Tim. Now Al-Joe’s is operated by the 3 brothers and several 4th generation family members.