For Bethel alumnus Eugene “Gene” Bamber ’74, the heart of his career has always been rooted in family, community and quality food. As the owner of Bamber’s Superette Food Market in South Bend, Ind., Gene has spent over 40 years serving his neighborhood with a passion for authentic Italian imports and homemade specialties.
Gene’s journey into the grocery business began at an early age, having worked with his family in the store since childhood. Born in 1947, the same year Bethel University was founded, he grew up across the street from Adams High School, where his father, John Bamber, built the family store in 1950.
“I grew up in the store seeing my family work from a very young age, so when the time came to take over, I knew what to do,” Gene says.
In June 1975, Gene’s father asked him to take over the store so he could retire, and Gene told him he would think about it. His father closed the store as usual on July 3 and took July 4 off. Then, on July 5, Gene showed up to work, and his father handed him the keys, telling him the store was now his. Gene never formally agreed to take over. It simply happened, something he now remembers with humor.
Despite a winding educational path through the University of Notre Dame, Holy Cross College and Indiana University, Gene eventually found his home at Bethel, where he graduated in 1974. Although he did not officially graduate at the time due to a missing PE credit, former Bethel president Steve Cramer ’75, Ph.D., awarded Gene his degree in Economics in 2013. Reflecting on his time at Bethel, Gene recalls enjoying the community and friendships he made.
“It’s better that I came to Bethel because of the people,” he says.
Gene remembers the friends he made at Bethel fondly. Since the Bethel community is built on Christ as the cornerstone, Gene was able to connect with fellow students and professors on a deeper level. Bethel also provided him with friends who cared about things that matter in the world, and a desire to serve the community in tangible ways.
As the store continues to thrive, Gene’s focus on personalized service has proven invaluable. For Gene, the true joy of running the store lies in the connections he can make with customers.
“Food is so important and it helps us make good connections,” Gene explains.
Today, Bamber’s Superette remains a beloved piece of the South Bend community, located at 1145 E. Mishawaka Avenue, serving not just food, but memories that span generations.
With its commitment to quality, personalized service and unique Italian imports, the store has earned its place in the hearts of locals, including Bethel University, where we are proud to see our alumni become community leaders and champions. Gene continues to run the business with the same passion and dedication that his father instilled in him. As he reflects on his journey, Gene remains proud of the connections he has built and the legacy he is carrying forward.
“If we make someone happy, then we’ve done our best,” he says.
Bethel University proudly supports Bamber’s Superette, a place where quality food meets community, service and life-long connection.