Kohl Wholesale

About Kohl Wholesale

How We Began
Kohl Wholesale, previously known as N. Kohl Grocer Co., was founded in 1873 by Nikolaus Kohl. Nikolaus Kohl was born in Germany in 1836 and immigrated to the United States in 1857. He came to Quincy, Illinois and began employment in the wholesale grocery business.


? Meats

? Frozen Entrees

? Dairy

? Fruits and Vegetables

? Dry Goods

? Kitchen Ware

? Disposables

In 1873, being Industrious and energetic, he bought shares in the firm where he was employed and Austin & Kohl Wholesale Grocers was founded. In 1896. Austin retired. With his four sons, Nikolaus continued the business as N. Kohl Grocer Co., Importers, Wholesale Grocers and Coffee Roasters.

The family-owned business became one of the largest coffee roasters in the areas as well as one of the best stocked wholesale grocery establishments in the Midwest. Over time the company went through many changes to facilitate the needs of their customers. In 1985 the company was renamed Kohl Wholesale to reflect the Broadline services available.

Who We are Today
Now led by the fourth generation, Dick Ehrhart and the fifth generation, Rick, Mark, and Matt Ehrhart, Kohl Wholesale continues to be a strong Broadline Distributing force in Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. Kohl Wholesale is a proud distributor of many national brands in our inventory of over 10,000 products.

Kohl Wholesale provides service to restaurants, hotels, supermarket delis, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, retail groceries, caterers, taverns, and many other businesses. The Kohl Cash & Carry was opened in 2000 and has broadened community awareness about the products and services Kohl Wholesale provides.

The growth that Kohl Wholesale has enjoyed over the years can be directly linked to the focus and value this family owned business places towards providing great customer service.