FREMONT – In 1950, Virgil Beck founded Beck Suppliers with a simple idea: serve the community with hard work, honesty and care. Seventy-five years later, that spirit still fuels the company – quite literally. And in 2025, the heart of the celebration is where it all began, Fremont.

Today, Beck Suppliers remains a family-owned and operated business, now in its fourth generation. The company’s legacy of growth is deeply intertwined with the Fremont community, where it has been headquartered for 75 years. To honor that partnership, Beck Suppliers is preparing to open a brand-new FriendShip Kitchen store with fuel, which will be dedicated to the memory of Doug Beck, former company president and a driving force behind Beck’s innovation and expansion.

“Our 75th anniversary isn’t just about Beck. It’s about Fremont – the place and the people who have made this milestone possible,” said Dean Beck, third-generation co-owner. “We’ve grown because of this town, and we want this year to be a celebration of all we’ve built together.”

The rebuilt FriendShip Kitchen store will serve as a centerpiece of the company’s anniversary activities, with a community grand opening celebration that promises to be one of the most exciting events in Beck history – complete with giveaways, special savings and family-friendly festivities.

“We’re inviting Fremont leaders, employees, retirees and neighbors to join us,” said company President Greg Ehrlich. “This is more than a store – it’s a tribute to Doug and a reflection of what makes Beck special: our people and our connection to the community.”

Throughout 2025, Beck Suppliers will highlight stories of its long-time employees, recognize retirees who helped shape its path, and participate in local events and celebrations. The company is looking for every opportunity to honor its 75-year bond with Fremont.

About Beck Suppliers and FriendShip Kitchen

Founded by Virgil Beck in 1950, Beck Suppliers, Inc. is a family-owned and operated retail and wholesale petroleum marketer based in Fremont. The company distributes Marathon, Sunoco, BP and Shell fuels to independent retailers and operates 34 FriendShip Kitchen stores and car washes throughout Ohio. Beck Fuel Systems specializes in the installation and removal of petroleum fueling systems, and Beck Car Wash Systems installs and operates high-quality car washes statewide.