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How It Started

Sparrow Market was established on January 2, 1984, by Bob Sparrow and the assistance of his wife Lisa Sparrow. At just 22 years old, Bob and Lisa became both a business owner's and parents in the same week. They relied on their ambition and strong work ethic to nurture both their new business and growing family over the decades to come.

In the early years, Sparrow Market expanded beyond the humble meat counter, offering a variety of house-made sausages, pre-made dinner options such as meatloafs and rolled stuffed chicken, and high-quality cuts of beef. As time passed, residents of Ann Arbor recognized downtown Sparrow Market as the go-to destination for top-notch meats, with Bob himself known as the expert in butchery.

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Around 2003, Sparrow Meat Market evolved into Meats and Produce with the addition of a produce and grocery market. Despite being less familiar with greens, Bob and his team persevered, ensuring the market's continued success and growth.

Then, around 2013, Sparrow Market expanded further by launching a wholesale operation, supplying restaurants with their quality meats and products.

In 2017, when the store needed assistance at the meat counter, Bob turned to his brother, Tom Sparrow, who had recently retired from his own flooring business. Feeling restless in retirement, Tom eagerly joined forces with his brother and nephew Jordan. With over a decade of prior experience in butchery, Tom quickly returned from retirement, dedicating himself to 70-hour workweeks to ensure top-quality service for the community. Following Bob's retirement in 2020, Tom has remained committed, leading a team of hand-picked and trained butchers to continue delivering the highest quality products to our customers.

In 2020, Bob sold the market to his son, Jordan Sparrow, who has been involved in the market since the age of 13. Jordan remains deeply engaged, dedicating 50 hours per week to hands-on work. Beyond ownership, he actively serves as a purchaser, stock specialist, and quality control manager.

As of May 1st, 2025, Jordan Sparrow has proudly passed on the legacy of the Sparrow family and its beloved market to Raymond Campise.
Ray, now the owner of Sparrow Market, has been a dedicated member of the team for nine years, including four years as General Manager. His journey through the business has been shaped by hard work, hands-on experience, and mentorship from the Sparrow family themselves—having been hired by Bob Sparrow and working closely with Tom and Jordan Sparrow.

Ray and his fiancée, Cristina Pappas—a skilled butcher with six years at the market—are considered part of the Sparrow family in every sense. With their leadership, Sparrow Market remains deeply rooted in the values that built it: family, quality, and community. While ownership has changed, our mission has not—we’re still your trusted neighborhood market, committed to serving with heart.