1975 is when
From humble fruit
stand to global phenomenon
Take a glimpse into our past.
Follow us on socials to see more memories in honor of #junglejimsturns50
Swipe to explore Jungle's history
It's Jungles History!
1973 Fisher & Body Fairfield, OH
It all started with a small fruit stand, big dreams, and even bigger produce. Back then, it was just
a few items, some bold ambition, and Jungle Jim himself making deals and cracking jokes.
That humble stand didn’t look like much, but they had heart—and a whole lot of hustle. Over three
years, from 1971 to 1974, Jungle Jim’s fruit stands popped up in Hamilton, Marimont, and Fairfield.
While we may not be a traveling fruit stand anymore, that same spirit still fuels everything we do
today.
1975 Fairfield, Ohio
Later, Jungle Jim’s Market finally found its permanent home in Fairfield, just up the road from where the old route 4 corner stand used to be. What started as a college hustle grew into a full-blown business—fueled by grit, creativity, and the support of his wife, Joani. Together, they dreamed of more than just a grocery store. Jim wanted a destination, a place where everything was fresh, homemade, and unforgettable. Long hours, wild ideas, and a deep love for the work—and each other—laid the foundation for what Jungle Jim’s would become.
1975 5440 Dixie Highway
Chalkboard signs have always been part of the Jungle Jim’s magic. To this day, someone’s
out there hand-painting them every Monday morning—rain or shine, marker or mustache.
And as for the gorilla suit? That’s Jungle himself. Even in the early days he knew how to leave an
impression and a smile.
1980 Store Interior
Take a look at this photo—it’s Jungle Jim’s in the early days. Simple setup. Handwritten signs. Produce piled high. Baskets on the ceiling. It’s a snapshot of how far we’ve come and a reminder of the people who helped build us from a humble fruit stand into a food lover’s destination.
1983 Animal Pond Construction
This is where things start to get more interesting—where a blank slab of concrete
and some foam blocks turned into one of Jungle Jim’s most iconic displays.
It didn’t happen overnight. There were wires, tarps, birds, and elephants, but with a little
elbow grease (and a lot of Jungle Jim charm), the chaos transformed into an entire jungle scene—complete
with curious critters and cascading water.
1984 Aerial Shot
By 1984, Jungle Jim’s had expanded massively. What started as a simple set up had
grown into something with real shape—something that, believe it or not, started to resemble the Jungle
you know and love today.
You can see it in this photo: more space, more cars, more curious shoppers trying to figure out
what exactly was going on inside that ever-evolving building.
What does Jungle Jim's mean to you
Let us know on our Jungle Hotline! (513) 674-6865.
Here's what people are saying...
We've been going to Jungle Jim's since the 1970's....
"We've been going to Jungle Jim's since the 1970's when it was not much bigger than a convenience store. Now it's the Disneyland of groceries."
I go there about twice a month, for almost 15 years.
"I go there about twice a month, for almost 15 years. Never gets old to me … & it is indeed possible to run into Jungle Jim Himself."
I moved away … every trip back the first stop is the Jungle.
"I moved away to Louisville, but every trip back the first stop is the Jungle."
My nieces come to visit… the first thing we do is always go to Jungle Jim’s!
"My nieces come to visit me from Alabama and Huntington WV… the first thing we do is always go to Jungle Jim’s!"
I’ve been going since I was a kid!
"We absolutely LOVE Jungle Jim’s I have been going there since I was a kid and now love sharing the experience with my children. Even living in Kentucky won’t stop us from going. They have a great selection and my family was sooo excited to see the world of Ramen section!"
To celebrate, we're bringing the Jungle to you
Limited edition merch, collabs, and really big bananas are coming to celebrate 50 years of imagination!
Enter to Win a Limited Edition
Jungle Jim’s LEGO® Set
Now’s your chance to get your hands on a piece of Jungle Jim’s history. We’ve teamed up with Brixilated to create a one-of-a-kind collectible—built brick by brick, just like the Jungle itself. Only 150 sets were made, so don’t miss your shot. Enter now for your chance to win!
Introducing: Jungle Jim’s
Fruit Stand
We’re throwing it back to 1975 with this refreshing Fruited Wheat Ale, brewed in collaboration with HighGrain Brewing Co. Crafted to celebrate 50 years of imagination, this beer features fruits inspired by the original Jungle Jim’s Fruit Stand.
Available now for a limited time—find it in-store or on tap at HighGrain!
50 Years of Imagination Tote
Carry a piece of Jungle Jim’s history with our brand-new tote bag, featuring all of our logos through the years. This limited-edition tote is available for purchase at both locations—but only for a limited time!
See us out
and about
We're out on the town
See if you can spot our three Jungle-Themed Metrobuses driving around Cincinnati! Snap a photo and tag us online using #junglejimsturns50
Event Calendar
There's always a reason to visit Jungle Jim's! Explore weekly events, festivals, classes, and more.
Saw something online and haven't been able to find it?
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