David Javitch – Founder of Giant Foods

David “D.J.” Javitch opened the Carlisle Meat Market, a two-man butcher shop, in 1923, and by 1937, Javitch expanded his vision to create a Giant Food Shopping Center in Lewistown, Pennsylvania. This revolutionary idea of offering dry goods and perishables under one roof was a new concept at the time and quickly became popular due to the convenience it offered its shoppers. By 1968, Giant opened its 9th store location in Harrisburg.

During his life, Javitch was active in Carlisle community affairs, being a member of the Carlisle Chamber of Commerce, fundraising committee for Carlisle Hospital and past chairman of the Carlisle Parking Authority. He was also a director on the board of the Pennsylvania Food Merchant’s Association and past chairman of the United Jewish Appeal Campaign for the greater Harrisburg Area.

By 1962, Javitch became Giant’s board chairman and his son, Lee Javitch, assumed the corporation’s presidency. He passed away in 1974.

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