In the early 1900s, Athas P. Kotsis ventured into the food business with his grocery store, Athens Grocery, nestled in Detroit Michigan’s Greektown area. Eventually, Athas transitioned to establish Atlas Importing Company during World War II (1939), strategically located in Detroit’s bustling Eastern Market district. This new facility offered ample space for expansion and growth.
With the steady expansion of Atlas, a team of dedicated employees joined the ranks, assuming roles as sales representatives, order processors, drivers, and warehouse staff. As the company’s forte clearly lay in wholesale food distribution, a pivotal decision was made to rebrand. Thus, in 1969, Atlas Wholesale Food Company was officially incorporated, solidifying its standing as a prominent player in the industry.