We’re locally owned and operated, which means we offer exceptional service with faster support and more flexibility for you and your employees. It’s part of our mission to earn your business every day!
Bob
Favorite Snack:
Baby Ruth
Amy
Favorite Snack:
“We take care of our customers and the customers will take care of us.”
Our History
Rapids Vending has been serving Eastern Iowa since 1950, when Greg and Mabel Michel founded the company. Greg worked full-time at Quaker Oats and ran vending routes in the evenings, while Mabel provided office support—all while raising seven children. Four of those children eventually joined the family business, and today, Rapids Vending is proudly operated by the second and third generations: Bob Michel and Amy Steffen.
Bob and Amy grew up in the business, bringing over 90 years of combined experience, and continue to lead it with the same integrity and personal service that started it all.
Modern Vending Solutions
When traditional vending machines began to phase out, we saw an opportunity to evolve. In 2013, Avanti Markets invited Rapids Vending to bring a new micromarket concept to the area—our first major shift toward modern, self-service convenience solutions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Avanti merged with 365 Retail Markets, and in 2024, Rapids Vending officially joined the 365 network.
This partnership gives us access to even more equipment, expanding what we can offer to our customers.
