Who started C F Smith grocery stores in Michigan?

My great grandfather, C. F. Smith.

Maureen McDonough Gonzalez

Frank Smith started the chain with his wife, Catherine. She is the C in CF.

Back then people would come and pick the items they wanted, and the store would have them delivered to the customer's house. Catherine was running a new store and didn't have anyone to deliver the goods, so she offered to sell them for a cut rate if the customer would carry them home themselves. The "cash and carry" idea took off.

Meddigan