Pete's Hardware

 Pete’s ACE Hardware has been a cornerstone of Castro Valley since 1926, known for its helpful advice, friendly service, and deep community roots. Founded by Hungarian immigrant Peter Selmeczki, the store has remained in the same location on Castro Valley Boulevard from the day it opened. 

When Peter and his wife Mary launched Pete’s Hardware, the front half of the building was stocked with hardware supplies, while the back half operated as an auto painting shop. It didn’t take long for Pete to realize that spraying cars and serving hardware customers simultaneously wasn’t sustainable. Though he knew more about auto paint than hardware, Pete chose to focus on the store—and with the help of loyal customers and suppliers, the family learned the business together.

 In its early years, Pete’s Hardware catered primarily to the agricultural community: chicken, rabbit, and dairy ranchers, along with local fruit farmers. The store carried brooder stoves, chicken wire, potbellied stoves, and kerosene heaters. During the bootlegging era, gallon jugs were among the fastest-moving items. As Castro Valley grew, so did Pete’s inventory, evolving to meet the needs of local contractors and homeowners.   

The original building stood where the parking lot is today. It featured a brick façade, a well off to the side, wooden floors, and 2,000 square feet packed with merchandise. In 1932, the store underwent a transformation when the boulevard was widened and paved to become a state highway. Originally set back 20 feet from the road, the state required 22—so Pete and Mary made the bold decision to cut off the front of the store and expand the back. 

After serving in World War II, Pete and Mary’s sons, Frank and Ernie, returned to Castro Valley to take over the business while their parents entered semi-retirement. Pete passed away in 1952 at age 69, and Mary continued to support the store until her death in 1963, proud of the legacy her sons were building. 

In 1968, Frank and Ernie joined the ACE Hardware buying group to strengthen their purchasing power. By 1974, they had built a new 7,200-square-foot store to better serve the growing community. 

After Frank’s passing in 1975, Ernie continued to run the business until his retirement in 2000 at the age of 83.  History repeats itself with Pete's granddaughter, Linda and her husband Jeff Roark taking over the business.  In 2011, their son Jason joined the family business taking Pete's Hardware into its fourth generation.

 Pete's Hardware continues to grow, meeting the needs of the community and the trends of the times.

Today, Pete’s ACE Hardware stands as a testament to family dedication, community service, and nearly a century of Castro Valley history.