23 stores in Northern Illinois, Indiana, Northwestern Ohio and Wisconsin
Bill and Pat Crabtree originated the Illinois Big R Stores in 1964. The first store opened in Watseka, Illinois. To date 20 stores have been opened in Illinois and Indiana; 2 stores in Ohio and 1 store in Wisconsin.
Our 12 Illinois stores are located in Watseka, Gibson City, Danville, Tilton, Pontiac, Morris, Pekin, Washington, Rochelle, Homer Glen, Streator and McHenry. Our 8 Indiana stores are located in Warsaw, 2 locations in Elkhart, Rochester, Wabash, Crawfordsville, Michigan City, and Marion. Our 2 stores in Ohio are located in Lima and Findlay. And 1 location in Wisconsin in Burlington.
The offices and warehouses for Big R remain in Watseka, IL. Joining the company in 1973, Jerry Gibbs provides family leadership for the company. New generations of the Crabtree family continue to participate in the business.
The Big R brand name was started by Farm and Ranch store owners in the western states. They chose the name "Big R" to convey the "Ranch" identity. The Big R group is now comprised of 12 independent owners throughout the U.S.. They all are members of Mid-States Distributing Company of St. Paul, MN. The Mid-States Co-op has over 600 stores throughout the United States and Canada.
