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Keedoozle

First automated American grocery store

Keedoozle was the first fully automated grocery store in the United States, a vending machine concept developed by grocer Clarence Saunders in 1937. It is often held that the name "Keedoozle" was coined by Saunders to refer to the technology used, in which a "Key Does All" for the grocery shopper, but another interview with Saunders appears to contradict this. The Keedoozle concept was intended to be a grocery shopper labor-saving and cost-saving device.2 It ceased to exist in 1949.1 Wikipedia text CC BY-SA 4.0

Last updated Oct 21, 2026.

Overview

May 15, 1937Founded1

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Keedoozle was the first fully automated grocery store in the United States, a vending machine concept developed by grocer Clarence Saunders in 1937. It is often held that the name "Keedoozle" was coined by Saunders to refer to the technology used, in which a "Key Does All" for the grocery shopper, but another interview with Saunders appears to contradict this.2

The story

Founded by Clarence Saunders on May 15, 1937.1

Leadership

Who has led Keedoozle, and when. Pick a name to see everywhere that person has worked.

Timeline

  1. 1949Dissolved Dissolved1
  2. May 15, 1937Founded Founded1

Sources

The numbers on this page point here. Each one links to the record it came from.

  1. 1
  2. 2