Buehler’s Fresh Foods will become the newest addition to Galion West Shopping Center where the local, independent, employee-owned grocery store will open in October.
The new store occupies a 21,700-square-foot space at the intersection of SR 598 and Route 19 in the heart of Galion, Ohio’s primary retail corridor.
The new store will offer a full-service grocery shopping opportunity in the Galion/Crestline area, where options have been limited in the last few years.
Paran Management Co. manages the property and negotiated the lease with Buehler’s.
“Having Buehler’s Fresh Foods at Galion West is ideal for the health of the community and will provide a boost for everyone, including existing businesses at the center,” said Joseph Shafran, Paran’s chairman and CEO. “I’m especially pleased that shopping for fresh food will be easier.”
In addition to its reputation as having friendly, clean stores with a great selection of brands and healthy choices, Buehler’s has a 92-year history of community service, is a Leadership Partner of the Akron Canton Food Bank with more than 200,000 meals donated this year and also is a strong supporter of the American Heart Association.
A little over a year ago, the Ohio Grocers Association presented its Pinnacle Award to Buehler’s. This is given annually to recognize overall excellence in retail operations and is the highest award given by the Ohio Grocers Association.
The Galion store will mark the 14th in Ohio for the company and will add an additional 70 employees to its roster.
“We are excited to have an opportunity to serve the people of Galion, Crestline and the surrounding communities,” said Dan Shanahan, president and CEO of Buehler’s. “We think our formula of fresh, great-tasting food combined with low prices will be well received. Included in our offering will be our very successful Healthy Living program which brings over 3,000 healthy living items at supermarket prices, conveniently located all throughout the store. In addition, we will be carrying a variety of brands for all different shoppers. Premium brands such as CAB meats, Boar’s Head deli and Driscoll’s berries along with a full variety of local and value brands such as Open Acres and Our Family. We think customers want more of a choice than just predominately private label items.”
Buehler’s will conduct local hiring events beginning in September. Look for job fairs at the Depot Pavilion in Galion from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sept. 16 and Sept. 24.
Buehler’s is an ESOP and, in addition to being employee owned, it is certified and named as “A Great Place to Work.” The award is based entirely on what current employees say about their experience working at Buehler’s Fresh Foods.
“Great Place to Work Certification isn’t something that comes easily – it takes ongoing dedication to the employee experience,” said Sarah Lewis-Kulin, VP of global recognition at Great Place to Work. “It’s the only official recognition determined by employees’ real-time reports of their company culture. Earning this designation means that Buehler’s Fresh Foods is one of the best companies to work for in the country.”
It also will facilitate sign-up for frequent shopper Advantage rewards easy through in-store and online sign-up and the company plans to participate in online shopping through Instacart.
