Bohack Restaurant, Flushing Avenue and Troutman Street, Ridgewood

German immigrant Henry C. Bohack opened his first grocery in 1887 and over the years Bohack’s developed into one of the first powerhouse grocery store chains. Grand Union, Key Food and all the rest were to follow. When the Depression arrived in late 1929, Bohack responded by actually opening more stores to provide employment. The founder passed away in 1930. You can still see a remaining Bohack sign when an older awning is removed, and what’s beneath it is in full view.

Bohack was recognizable by the distinctive “B” in the logo. A building now used as a warehouse in the triangle formed by Flushing Avenue and Troutman Street still has those B’s emblazoned on the sides of the building. As this photo from the 1930s demonstrates, this building once housed a Bohack’s restaurant.

A Bohack warehouse across Troutman has a chimney with the Bohack name painted on it as a reminder of the once-potent company. At one time, the “X” formed by Flushing and Metropolitan Avenues was called Bohack Square.

Bohack prospered until 1974 when the chain went bankrupt. After an attempted merger with Shop-Rite failed, Bohacks disappeared into the history books in 1977. Occasionally, though, an old awning or sign is taken down and the Big B is in evidence briefly once more.