About Us

ABOUT BOWMAN'S...

The Golden Rule grocery store, later Bowman's Market, opened its doors in 1913 in the tiny community of Kaysville (pop. approximately 1,100.) Its proprietor was J.J. (June) Bowman, a young man of 22. His philosophy, as proclaimed by the name of his store, was to treat his customers as he would like to be treated.

The Golden Rule was a typical general store with 'dry goods', such as blue jeans and fabric on one side, and 'wet goods', or groceries, on the other. Customers handed shopping lists to the clerk behind the counter and the clerk would collect the items. Customers were known by name and shopping was a pleasant social experience.

“It's not important how much money you make. It is important to be honest and to treat others fairly,” Dick Bowman.

In 1957, after obtaining a $50,000 loan from his mother-in-law, Dick was able to build a new store at 75 East 2nd North. It was conveniently located next to the post office. As Kaysville grew, Bowman’s Market expanded. This building expanded 6 times, from 6,000 to 16,500 sq. ft.!

Kaysville's downtown is looking newer and livelier from the wider and smoother streets, to the new library, and to this bright new sign advertising the week's specials at Bowman's Market.

Upon returning from an LDS mission to the New England States, Dick Bowman had a decision to make. He had attended the University of Utah with the goal of becoming an electrical engineer. Dick realized that his father's health was failing. He would be needed in the family business, so he changed his major to marketing. When June died in 1951, Mary Bowman turned to 24-year-old Dick to manage the business. He became partners with his mother, and over the next 25 years, purchased the business from her.

“Family, church, business and community activities have blessed me with friends, security, choice memories and peace-of-mind,” Richard C. Bowman.

Community leaders and friends joined the Bowman family at the ribbon cutting event of their new store. A unique characteristic for the store was the hosting of art exhibits featuring local artists. The present Bowman's Market at 326 North Main Street, was built in 1996. As grocery competition has increased, Kaysville residents have remained loyal and supportive of Bowman's.