About Us

Bill Baffes, age 4, outside his father's store, New City Foods.
(From left to right) Store Architect Bill Benjamin, Bill Baffes, Terri Baffles (now Winkler), Joan Baffes, Tom Baffles, All. Fitzgerald, George Kapsimalis
A man and woman stand in front of packaged goods in a grocery store, under a mural depicting an outdoor scene.

We love County Fair customers!

It is this commitment that has enabled our family business to thrive and survive for over 60 years.

Our founder, Bill Baffes, was literally raised in his parents' Mom & Pop store on the South Side of Chicago. As a small boy, he often accompanied his dad to the South Water Market. Upon graduating from Knox College, Bill married his college sweetheart, Joan. After only 6 months of marriage, Bill and his brother-in-law, George Kapsimalis bought their first store on 111th Street. Five years later, Bill became obsessed with that beautiful lot on 108th and Western, and with little money and a lot of persuasion, convinced several investors to build him a beautiful store, which he named County Fair.

Today, Bill's children, Terri, Tom, Katie and Chrissy have all joined the family business. Recently, Tom's son, Bill Baffes, and Terri's son, Matt Winkler, are now store managers, making our future look brighter than ever. Tom Baffes is now CEO of County Fair; Terri Winkler is president and Mike Winkler is general manager.