FINAST FIRST NATIONAL STORES, was a retail supermarket brand in
the northeastern United States until being absorbed by Edwards and its Dutch parent
Royal Ahold in the mid-1990s. Its name was an acronym for "First National Stores
Inc." Even after the store name was shortened, many still referred to the store as
"The First National" Had statewide locations!
Yep -- except its name was FINAST -- which stood for FIrst NAtional STores.
ReplyDeleteThanks
ReplyDeleteI fixed!
GREETINGS:
ReplyDeleteI WORKED FOR "FINAST" FOR 34 YEARS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE, AS PRODUCE MANAGER AND LATER AS DELI/BAKERY MANAGER. I STARTED IN EXETER, NH AND LATER IN HAMPTON, ROCHESTER, DOVER, PORTSMOUTH, DERRY AND FINALLY IN NASHUA, NH, RETIRING IN 1981.
CHECK OUT THIS WEBSITE: http://www.hampton.lib.nh.us/hampton/history/business/2000s/finast1920s.htm
JOHN M. HOLMAN
EMAIL: jholman@hampton.lib.nh.us
was there a First National Store in Massachusetts as well? IF so do you know where? thanks
DeleteI drove truck for finast for 25 years and Exeter was open at that time
DeleteI know where almost all finast were
DeleteWasnt there a First National food store on Killingly Street in Providence, RI many years ago?
DeleteWasnt there one on Killingly St Providence, Rhode island?
DeleteWow! Thanks for posting a FINAST page. My grandfather was one of the founders. All who worked for this company are grateful to see it remembered here in your blog. Many good people stood behind the FINAST brand and lived the company's strong values.
ReplyDeleteWould you have any photos of the store/s in Warren or BrIstol RI in the 40s/50s?
DeleteMy grandfather Walter Ellis retired as a district supt of First National Stores insouthern new england about 1959--60.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone confirm there was a Finast/First National store in Centerdale, RI, back in the late 50s?
ReplyDeleteYes, on Mineral Spring Avenue as you go onto Centerdale. There was a furniture store across the street from the First National store.
ReplyDeleteWhy are you interested in this location?
I spoke to my dad who worked for First National for 40 some odd years and he remembers the store.
pgrossman1@verizon.net
There was also a Finast (First National) on the Pawtucket line in South Attleboro... It later turned in a Brooks Drug... I think now, it is a Rite-Aid pharmacy.
ReplyDeleteWe shopped at the First National on Chalkstone Ave Providence, RI [Mount Pleasant] back in the 50's.
ReplyDeleteAny photo ?
DeleteNewport Ave East Providence/Pawtucket line closed mid 70s bldg. still there its sub divided into 3 businesses it behind the Burger King
ReplyDeleteI worked at the First National Store for ten years in Sanford, Maine. Started in 1969. Great job..
ReplyDeleteI worked at Finast for 8 yrs. in the New Bedford and Fall River stores. Also, worked summers in the Well fleet store. Great experience, learned alot about teamwork.
ReplyDeleteAm putting together a family tree, looking for photos, thank you.
ReplyDeleteWasnt there a first National on Killingly St Providence, RI
ReplyDeleteWorked at the Wollaston Store late 60's into mid 70's great job, decent pay and benefits. Sad to see the chain wither away.
ReplyDeleteWorked there from 1974-1980.Great job
DeleteYou Come First At First National
ReplyDeleteThe was a First National on Chalkstone Ave, Providence RI.
ReplyDelete