It was 1916 when brothers John and Walter Wegman went into the food business together. A century later, Wegmans Food Markets, the small, family-owned business launched by the brothers, will mark its 100th anniversary.

John (Jack) Wegman first made his living as a produce huckster, buying fresh fruits and vegetables each day from farmers at the public market to sell from a pushcart in the streets of Rochester, NY. His brother Walter learned the grocery business working in a store his parents operated from the front of their home, the same home where Walter’s son Robert B. Wegman was born in 1918.

Plenty has changed over the 100-year span that Wegmans has been in business, but the company said its belief about the way to treat people has stayed the same. “As we reflect on how we got here, we remember a simple rule that my dad taught us: ‘Never think of yourself; always help others,’ ” Danny Wegman, chief executive officer, said in a letter in the 100th anniversary issue of Wegmans Menu magazine.

Those are the words of Robert Wegman, who in 1937 began to work for his father, Walter, and Uncle Jack, and then led the company from 1950 until his death in 2006. Those words made all the difference. They led to putting the needs of employees first, and then to generations of employees’ families working at Wegmans. They led to welcoming customers like guests. They led to finding new ways to help families make delicious, healthy, affordable meals that everybody loved.  They led to decades of partnering with local growers and producers. And, they led to giving back to the community in ways that have had a significant impact.

Those words also led to the deep bond of affection between Wegmans and its customers, who tend to think of Wegmans as family, and often refer to their local store as “my Wegmans.”

On Jan. 30, in a nod to the important role Robert Wegman played in shaping the company, a new plaque with his portrait, and his guiding principle about helping others, will be placed near the entrance of all Wegmans stores, officially kicking off the 100th anniversary celebration.

On that same day, at 11 a.m. in all Wegmans stores, a celebration cake will be served to customers and to employees.  Employees will wear a new uniform shirt with the 100th anniversary logo.  The logo, designed by Wegmans’ artists, will also appear on a new Wegmans reusable bag, a reusable coffee mug and a Wegmans gift card.

Throughout the year, Wegmans will recognize its 100th anniversary in various ways not yet detailed.

Today, Wegmans is one of the largest family-owned companies in the United States, with 88 stores in six states and nearly 46,000 employees. Of the many recognitions it has earned, the company is most proud of its inclusion for 18 straight years on Fortune magazine’s list of the ‘100 Best Companies to Work For.’ Third- and fourth-generation Wegman family members lead Wegmans today: CEO Danny Wegman, his daughter Colleen Wegman, president; and daughter Nicole Wegman, senior vice president of perishable foods and wine.