The Schweppe tradition of providing the best food service equipment and supplies began during the Great Depression when August Schweppe, who had been working as an electrician, lost his job and needed a source of income to support his family. 

In 1932, "Auggie" and Emma Schweppe officially founded the company to provide taverns with snack foods. Since there were no large grocery stores, there was a growing market for a variety of food items needed by taverns and small restaurants. It was originally called DuPage Supply Company and operated from the basement of the Schweppe home on Fremont Ave. in Elmhurst, Illinois.  

Eventually Auggie bought an old popcorn machine, made the popcorn at home, bagged it, and delivered it to customers. From popcorn, he expanded to potato chips and pretzels. Then came the finer line of bar snacks, which at that time included: pigs feet, pork hocks, sardines, and anchovies. 

As taverns expanded their services from bar snacks to lunches and sandwiches, DuPage Supply expanded to sell relishes, pickles, condiments, olives, cherries, corn oil, and vinegar. Auggie's sons, Ralph and Bud, became involved in the business during after-school hours.  

As soon as they were old enough, the brothers were delivering in the trucks after school. The first company truck was a 1935 Studebaker hearse, complete with curtains in the windows and rollers in the rear. The second company truck had a trailer Auggie made at home. 

In 1939, the company opened a retail store to service commercial customers who preferred to stop by or pick up their kitchen products, rather than order them for delivery. From there, DuPage Supply expanded rapidly. The company moved a total of six times to accommodate growth. 

In 1950, DuPage Supply became Schweppe & Sons. 

In 1953, Schweppe began providing design and installation services for commercial kitchens in corporate headquarters and restaurants. Many of Chicago's best known restaurants have depended on Schweppe to design their kitchens. 

In 1960, Schweppe opened a walk-in store so that consumers would have access to the same high-grade equipment and supplies as commercial establishments. The walk-in business has grown to account for about 1/3 of sales today. 

Today, Schweppe Inc. serves more than 35,000 customers. Auggie's son, Ralph Schweppe, is now Chairman of the Board. His grandson, Jeff Schweppe, is now President & CEO and another grandson Randy Schweppe is now Executive Vice President. Fourth generation Schweppes, such as Jeff's son Brian - Web Marketing Manager - are now graduating from college and bringing new energy and fresh insight into the business.