Sunshine Supermarkets, later Sunshine Foods was the grocery division of Sunshine-Jr. Stores - operating throughout the Northwest Florida area from 1944 until 2008. After Sunshine-Jr. Stores filed for bankruptcy protection in 1992, only two stores were operated by the same staff, as the rest were spun off to independent investors (namely Save-A-Lot), all of which but one had stopped using the "Sunshine" name by 1998, the last closing in 2008.
Jitney Jungle[]
In 1944, L.D. "Sunshine" Lewis, after given the green light by the Jitney Jungle firm of Jackson, Mississippi, founded the Panama City branch of the supermarket. The first location (and only, until 1958) was opened on March 8, 1944. In 1953, he named his side of the operation "Sunshine Grocery Co., Inc.".
1944-1959[]
Many different logos were used at the same time, as all were officially recognized by the parent company.
1959-1966[]
After moving from his first location at Harrison Avenue and 7th Street down to around 1500 Harrison Avenue, a new sign was installed. This location was called the "Sputnik" because of its Roto-Sphere road sign, which measured 52 feet from top to bottom, showcasing an impressive display of lights. After its 1966 renaming, the panels were replaced to read “Sunshine Food Store”.
Sunshine Food Stores[]
In 1966, after becoming self-sufficient enough to split from Jitney Jungle, L.D. Lewis decided to rebrand all seven of the stores under the "Sunshine Food Stores" label. Over time they operated about eight grocery stores bearing the Sunshine name, as well as over 300 convenience stores as a sub brand.
1966-1971[]
Differently shaded versions of the same logo were used at different times. All of which carried advertisements for King Korn stamps.
1970-1982[]
1970-1975[]
1975-1979, 1980-1982 (secondary)[]
1979-1980[]
1980-1985[]
Sunshine Supermarkets[]
1985[]
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In 1985, Sunshine’s brand identity was revamped by local artist Paul Brent, husband of then-CEO Lana Jane Lewis-Brent. Their subsidiary, Jr. Food Stores, would get the same treatment later in the year.
1985-1991[]
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1988-1991[]
1990-1991[]
1991-1993[]
1993-1994[]
1994[]
1994-1995[]
Sunshine Foods[]
1995-1997[]
1997-2008[]
After being reduced to a single location in 1998 due to buyouts by Save-A-Lot, the last location closed in 2008 and ceded its lease to Dollar General.