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 It started in 1909 when two young employees of the Lynden
Department Store, Linden Brown and George Cole, decided to strike out on
their own by opening a store in Lynden, offering "a complete line
of Staple and FANCY groceries." Brown soon sold his interest in the
business.
For several generations
of families, Brown & Cole meant food. In 1960, George's son,
Jack B. Cole, assumed leadership of the company following his
father's death. It was at the time when the food industry was
changing from corner stores to large self-service supermarkets, and
true to form, Brown & Cole embraced the changes.
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Like all good businesses, Brown & Cole continued to look
ahead. Jack's son, Craig, became president in 1989 and spearheaded
the expansion into new markets in northwest Washington and points
south.
Executing a carefully developed growth strategy, the company moved
beyond its Whatcom County roots and added stores in western and
central Washington and Oregon. By 1996, the company had assembled a
group of 13 stores.
 As many smaller grocers closed their doors or sold their
businesses, Brown & Cole continued to expand and solidify its
presence in several regions, creating greater purchasing power and
operational capabilities. There is no doubt that Brown & Cole is
in the grocery business not only to stay, but also to become a major
force.
Brown & Cole has adapted to the constant of change
remarkably well. The history of the company has been fluid, but always
grounded in its most important assets: its people and its customers.
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