JOHN'S GROCERY - Key Persons
Beer lover and Nebraska native Chris began working at John's Grocery in 2013, where he was promoted to the coveted Beer Room Manager position in 2014.
As an avid beer trader, Chris loves talking about rare finds and new brews. He also enjoys managing the store's Twitter and Instagram accounts (follow him @JohnsGrocery).
His favorite beer is ReUnion Juice Factory.
Third Generation grandsons Doug and Mike Alberhasky (along with Doug's wife Sabrina), embark on a once in a lifetime invasion of the old world. Cataloging over 120 beers in a 16-day tour of England, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic, the thirsty beer travelers made many contacts with brewers that last to this day.
The oldest of all of the Iowa City grandchildren, Doug followed in his father's footsteps, starting his career at the ripe age of six. After graduating from City High in '87, Doug began working full-time, and started managing the store after his sophomore year at the University of Iowa. He later went on to earn a degree in Food Store Management from Kirkwood in '97.
Doug is married to his wife Sabrina, and has two kids, JD and Jessica, who have been the stars of the John's Grocery TV commercials since they were born. A fixture in the Iowa City area, Doug has been involved with many community organizations, including Northside Oktoberfest & Iowa City Brewfest, Optimist Club, Horace Mann Elementary PTO, Boy Scouts, Little Hawk Baseball Club, and Junior Achievement to name a few.
His favorite beer is Westvleteren 12.
An Iowa City native, Mae has been shopping at John's Grocery since she was only knee-high. After graduating from the University of Iowa in 2014, she began working in the kitchen where she learned to make Erma's famous recipes by heart.
Mae takes pride in perfecting her techniques and presentation skills. Outside of work she enjoys a well-made cocktail.
Her favorite drink is the Sazerac.
Mike is a life-long Corridor native. He is just like the kid from the Life Cereal commercial in the ‘70s, minus the compelling story arc. His favorite bourbon is unavailable in Iowa.
As one of John's grandchildren, Mike's first time working at John's Grocery was when he was in preschool. He followed his father around with a feather duster to dust the shelves he could reach. He has now graduated to dusting out computers and caring for the gremlins that live in the building's network.
Mr. Dennis Valentine, an experienced grocer, announces he will open a grocery at 401 East Market Street on April 1st. The store becomes known as Valentine's Grocery, and offers a line of staple groceries, green vegetables and fresh meats. His many friends forecast unusual success for the new store.
Zachary Isom is not an Iowa native, but that hasn't stopped him from embracing the community like one of their native sons. He holds both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Iowa (the latter being from the prestigious Iowa Writers' Workshop in Poetry). While he doesn't get as much time to write these days, he has carved out time for another passion: good drink. Be it a fat Cabernet, a pour of Rye Whiskey, or a cold can of craft beer, Zach always finds a minute to appreciate the art and effort of whatever delicious drink is in his hand.