, and where it sold much more than just tea despite its misleading name. The"National" part of the store's title did end up ringing true however, as the chain grew to 1,000 stores across the country by 1920, in addition to the 600 which still existed in the Chicago area.
After losing some footing during the Great Depression, the brand came back stronger in the 1950s by purchasing 500 new stores from smaller chains, under new ownership. National Tea was eventually rebranded as National Supermarkets—a title which was much more fitting but was also accompanied by a reduction in the chain's footprint. After an acquisition by Schnucks Markets in 1995—then later by A&P—the brand name sputtered out and is now but a distant memory.
In the 1990s, many Alpha-Beta stores began to be rebranded by their new owners. And, in 1995, Alpha Beta ceased to exist after the remaining stores carrying on the name were turned into Ralphs or Food 4 Less locations.