Kennedy's Butter and Egg Store: A Los Angeles Icon of Fresh Dairy & Eggs

The History of Kennedy's Butter & Egg Store

Kennedy's Butter & Egg Store has a long and rich history in the egg and dairy industry. The store first opened its doors in Los Angeles, California in the early 1900s as a small neighborhood market selling butter, eggs, and other dairy products. It was originally founded by Patrick Kennedy, an Irish immigrant who saw the need for a quality butter and egg store in the growing city.

The Store's Humble Beginnings

The first Kennedy's Butter & Egg Store was located on Spring Street in downtown Los Angeles. It was a small shop, but Patrick Kennedy quickly gained a reputation for selling the freshest butter, eggs, and cream brought into the city. In those early days, the store bought dairy products from local farms before processing, packaging, and selling them in the store.

The store became popular with chefs from the city's growing restaurant industry who relied on Kennedy's for the high quality ingredients. Kennedy's also gained a following among neighborhood families who appreciated having such fresh eggs and dairy so close to home. As the store's popularity grew, Patrick Kennedy was able to expand the shop into a bigger space on Spring Street.

Expanding to Multiple Locations

The success of the original store enabled Patrick Kennedy to open more locations around Los Angeles. By the 1920s, Kennedy's Butter & Egg Stores could be found across Los Angeles from Boyle Heights to Hollywood and beyond. Kennedy's trucks became a common sight, delivering fresh dairy products from its central processing facility to all of its retail stores.

To keep up with demand, the company opened a large warehouse and production facility on Mateo Street downtown. By the 1930s, Kennedy's Butter & Egg Stores had gained a reputation throughout Los Angeles for selection, quality, and service.

Continued Growth and Success

Over the decades, Kennedy's Butter & Egg Stores continued expanding, eventually growing to over 50 locations throughout Southern California. The company expanded its product range as well, even as it remained committed to providing the highest quality butter, eggs, and other dairy goods.

In the 1950s, Kennedy's opened a major egg production and processing plant in Vernon to supply its ever-growing store network. The company also began buying milk and cream from dairy farms around California and producing its own butter. Kennedy's reputation for quality and freshness enabled it to thrive even with competition from large chain grocers.

Kennedy's Today

Today, Kennedy's Butter & Egg Stores remain family-owned and operated, still supplying stores with top-quality eggs, butter, cream, and other dairy products. While the company now sources from farms around the world, it maintains its commitment to freshness and quality. Stores continue to focus on stellar customer service in keeping with the vision of founder Patrick Kennedy.

With over 50 locations, Kennedy's caters to grocery shoppers throughout Southern California. The company's classic neon signs remain a familiar sight across the region. Though no longer a small neighborhood store, Kennedy's Butter & Egg Store remains an institution and a trusted name in eggs and dairy.

Kennedy's Butter & Egg Store Known for Quality

Throughout its long history, Kennedy's Butter & Egg Store has been known for providing only the highest quality eggs, butter, and other dairy products. Here are some of the reasons the store has been the go-to source for restauranteurs and home cooks for over a century.

Strict Standards

Kennedy's maintains strict quality standards for all the products it sells in its stores. Eggs must meet exacting standards established by the company to ensure freshness and quality. The same is true for the butter, milk, cream, and other items sold at Kennedy's locations.

Farm to Store Tracking

Kennedy's has a comprehensive tracking system to ensure its dairy products come straight from the farm to the store. Milk travels quickly from dairy farms to the Kennedy's processing plants before heading to stores. Eggs also make their way from chicken ranches to stores within days for optimal freshness.

On-Site Processing

The company's own processing plants for eggs, butter, and other items enable close monitoring. Kennedy's long-term employees oversee processing to ensure premium quality. Plants are frequently inspected and held to high cleanliness and safety benchmarks.

Local Sourcing

Kennedy's has longstanding partnerships with the best local dairies and egg ranches throughout California. Top local farms ensure the company has a consistent supply of the highest quality dairy items and eggs. Long relationships enable both sides to focus on excellence.

Expert Staff

Staff members at Kennedy's stores are experts in eggs, dairy, and other products. Many staff have decades of experience and deep knowledge. They provide shoppers with knowledgeable recommendations and advice on selecting, storing, and using items.

Supplier Relationships

Kennedy's has developed and maintained strong direct relationships with dairy farmers, egg producers, and other suppliers globally. These bonds let the company work closely with suppliers to develop specifications and standards for items sold at its stores.

Kennedy's Butter & Egg Store Products

Kennedy's Butter & Egg Stores offer an extensive range of dairy products, eggs, and other grocery staples. The stores focus on stocking top quality ingredients prized by bakers, cooks, restaurants, and families. Here are some of the most popular Kennedy's products.

Fresh Eggs

Farm fresh eggs have always been the cornerstone of Kennedy's brand. Stores stock a huge selection of eggs in various sizes from standard large eggs to extra large and jumbo eggs. Shoppers can find conventional, organic, free-range, and pasture-raised varieties.

Butter

As another namesake product, Kennedy's is known for its high-quality butter. Shoppers will find sweet cream, salted, and unsalted butter along with European-style high-fat brands. Flavored compound butters are also available.

Cheese

Kennedy's stores stock an array of top-quality cheeses including blocks, pre-shredded, and slices along with specialty imported and artisanal varieties. Cheese experts on staff can offer pairing advice.

Milk & Cream

Milk, heavy cream, half-and-half, sour cream, and other fresh dairy items are delivered daily to Kennedy's stores. Shoppers can find organic and grass-fed options along with Kennedy's own dairy products.

Other Products

Beyond dairy and eggs, Kennedy's stores also sell bread, juices, coffee, bacon, fresh produce, and other grocery essentials. Stores offer one-stop shopping for recipes and meals.

Tips for Shopping at Kennedy's

As a specialty grocer, Kennedy's Butter & Egg Store offers a unique shopping experience. Here are some tips for getting the most out of a visit to Kennedy's.

Ask for Recommendations

The knowledgeable Kennedy's staff is there to help. Don't hesitate to ask questions to get suggestions about types of eggs,Pair milk and butter for baking, and how to pick the perfect cheese.

Feel Free to Taste

Before buying a block of specialty cheese, Kennedy's encourages shoppers to taste samples. Don't be shy about trying a slice to experience the flavors.

Shop Seasonally

Let the staff know if you're cooking or baking for a holiday meal or special event. They can recommend the finest eggs, butter, and cheeses in keeping with the season.

Focus on Freshness

For eggs, check container dates and look for clean, uncracked shells. For dairy, examine "sell-by" dates and stick with the freshest possible.

BYOB - Bring Your Own Bags

Since Kennedy's specializes in fresh fragile foods like eggs and butter, bring reusable bags to safely transport purchases. This cuts down on plastic waste.

Explore Farm Brands

Try dairy, eggs, and cheese from local farms

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.