Aldi originated in Essen, Germany, after two brothers, Karl and Theodor Albrecht, took over their parents small grocery store in 1946 and turned it eventually into the current discount business. Aldi operates in 18 countries and derived its name from the founders family name 'Albrecht'. The younger brother, 'Theo', just passed away in late July 2010 at age 88. - WG.
