How's this for a crowning achievement? King Kullen Grocery Company claims to have been the originator of the supermarket format. Heralding itself as "America's first supermarket," the firm operates nearly 50 supermarkets, mainly on Long Island, New York. King Kullen also owns an 18,000-sq.-ft. Wild By Nature natural foods store (and plans to open more), and it offers a line of vitamins and supplements under the same name in some regular stores. Most stores average about 35,000 sq. ft., but it has a 62,000-sq.-ft. upscale market with features such as ethnic fare, catering, and a Wild By Nature section. Started in a Queens warehouse in 1930 by Michael Cullen, the firm is owned and operated by Cullen's relatives.