Hohnecker's was founded on June 1, 1944 by G.J. Hohnecker as a glassware and crockery wholesaler. At the time, demand for these items increased after the war as returning GI's started families and the economy grew. Hohnecker's expanded into other lines such as plastic housewares and restaurant supplies.
The 1950s brought increased business as Hohnecker's expanded into inexpensive ceramic and porcelain gifts imported from Japan. Some of these items now are valuable antiques since they were the 
first items to come out of Japan after the war! In 1959 with the business growing, Mr. G.J. Hohnecker decided to relocate to a new and larger facility located at 395 South Main Street in Dubuque, Iowa. Hohnecker's continued and add new lines such as electrical appliances, paper products and gift items. The building expanded in 1965 with the addition of a larger showroom. In those days, Hohnecker's had limited space in the showroom so it stored most of its inventory in the warehouse. Therefore, one of each item was on display for the customer to chose from, and then employees retrieved the item out of the warehouse. Continued expansion into lines such as Lefton, American Bisque, Fenton Glass, Heager Pottery and others brought increased business. In the mean time Hohnecker's restaurant supply business was steady, furnishing supplies to local restaurants and supper clubs. Some of them were Timmermans, The Dug Out, Chateau, Roberts River Rides, Ox Yoke Inn and Leiser's.
In the 1970s Hohnecker's stepped further into the gift business as it continued to grow. More party supplies were added, mainly for New Year's, that were sold to taverns and restaurants. In the early 1980s, change came for the store when the city of Dubuque was in need of downtown freeway. As plans developed, it became obvious that the new highway was going to eliminate the building. In 1985 John Hohnecker made the decision to purchase the property at 2200 Kennedy Road to build a new store dedicated mainly to the gift trade. The building was ready for business in October of that year. The grand opening found several new departments such as party goods and silk flowers, both were immediate hits as business grew steadily.
Hohnecker's gradually increased their collectible business, becoming Dubuque's premier gift and collectible dealer. Precious Moments, Snowbabies, Hummel, Cherished Teddies and other great collectible lines were added. Yankee Candle, C. R. Gibson, Ty and Fetco Frames were important additions. In 2000, Hohnecker's became a Lang Center which introduced a high quality stationary, collectible, and calendar line to Dubuque.
Hohnecker's continues to look forward, always in search of the latest trends. From home décor to gardening, Hohnecker's will be offering the latest in gifts and collectibles.
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