Scrivener Oil Company, Inc., the parent company of SIGNAL Food Stores, was established in 1984 by Richard Scrivener. After graduating from Missouri State University (formerly SMSU) Richard started his oil industry career in Chicago at Standard Oil.
After a successful start, Rich decided to head back to Springfield to establish his own company. The first SIGNAL Food Store was opened in the small town of Ava, Missouri. More would soon follow to include a total of twelve stores.