2026 Exceptional Independents

A Clean Plate Local & Organic Grocery was founded in 2012 by Wayne and Julie Isaacson. Wayne Isaacson, who was working at a conventional grocery store at the time, saw an opportunity to open a new store focused on healthy food choices in his own community of Menahga, Minnesota.

A Clean Plate believes that rural Americans deserve access to healthy natural foods, especially when so many of these areas are dominated by big-box chains with poor food access.

A Clean Plate is proud to offer healthy food at affordable prices, including products from local farmers and producers, organic produce and national organic brands. The community has begun to transform with A Clean Plate’s help, as it has steadily seen foot traffic rise and local interest pique.
A Clean Plate also prides itself in being an education center for the community. Whether it be through quick conversations at the register, impactful customer service, programming such as yoga classes or donations to local organizations, A Clean Plate is embedded in the fabric of its community. The store serves as a beacon of quality, attract­ing customers from over an hour away, a testament to its impact.

Being a small, independent grocer is no small feat, and A Clean Plate encountered many bumps in the road. But Wayne Isaacson attributes their success to the tenacity it takes to persevere.

In 2018, A Clean Plate joined the Independent Natural Food Retailers Association and has seen its sales grow by nearly 180 percent. A Clean Plate’s success under INFRA is a testament to its commitment to delivering value to the community, as it has strengthened its promotions program and has capitalized on leveraging INFRA’s collective purchasing power to deliver value to shoppers.

The Isaacsons are active leaders in the larger natural food movement. They often share their knowledge at industry and peer events. Wayne Isaacson recently joined the INFRA Board of Directors to strengthen the organization’s collective purchasing power and amplify the voice of independent natural food retailers in the industry.

B&R Foods in Lincoln, Nebraska, deserves Exceptional Independents recognition for its strategic utilization of technology to enhance the overall shopper journey.

The team at B&R Foods has effectively modernized operations, using a powerful loyalty engine to bridge the gap between traditional service and digital innovation.

The team’s approach centers on using technology not just for efficiency, but as a primary driver for building lasting relationships with shoppers.

Baesler’s Market was nominated for the Exceptional Independent Award for its dedication to people, progress and community. For more than 130 years, this family-run, two store operation in Terra Haute and Sullivan, Indiana, has been a trusted name in grocery.

Under the leadership of fourth-generation owner Bob Baesler, Baesler’s Market continues to blend tradition with innovation, proving that heritage and forward-thinking can thrive together.
Baesler’s commitment to technology aims to make life better for employees and customers. From accelerating onboarding and simplifying coupon clipping with ECRS’ Connect+Save, to harnessing CATAPULT Cognition for rapid, data-driven decisions, Baesler’s has embraced tools that create efficiency without losing the personal touch.

Fresh departments shine with AutoScale Max, streamlining weighing and labeling for a faster checkout experience – and with self-service checkouts planned for 2026, convenience and customer satisfaction remain a priority.
But what truly sets Baesler’s apart is its heart for the community. The company supports local charities through donation drives and events such as Salvation Army Red Kettle matches and Miracle on 7th Street fundraisers, often matching customer contributions to amplify impact.

From food drives for veterans and health programs to disaster relief partnerships, Baesler’s stores have become hubs of generosity, especially during the holidays, ensuring that neighbors in need never stand alone.
Baesler’s Market is more than a grocery store; it’s a pillar of service, innovation and care. The company’s legacy of giving and commitment to progress makes it the gold standard for independent grocers.

In May 2025, Emily Coborn Wright was promoted to president of St. Cloud, Minnesota-based Coborn’s Inc. Coborn Wright brings a deep and personal commitment to the company’s mission and values, along with a proven track record of operational excellence, innovation and strategic leadership.

Throughout her career, she has served in a variety of key roles, including communications manager; director of Topco programs; district manager; VP of fresh merchandising; VP of operations; and SVP of growth initiatives. Each of these roles has prepared her for this new chapter. Her promotion reflects the company’s confidence in her leadership, strategic vision and understanding of who it is as an organization.

Coborn Wright has literally grown up in this business and, over the years, has worked in many areas of the company to gain a deep and well-rounded understanding of its operations. Her passion, commitment and leadership have been evident in every step of her career.

Since becoming president, she has shown outstanding leadership in defining the company’s three-year strategic plan focused on differentiation, competitive strategy, people development, remodels, new market growth and operational excellence as an independent grocer. She has led with purpose, professionalism and resolve, making tough decisions that align the company for future success.

Her maturity, conviction and business acumen are exceptional. She leads with heart and intellect, sets clear expectations and inspires through visibility and vision. Her broad experience across the organization grounds her leadership in a deep understanding of the business and the competitive landscape.

Beyond the company, she serves on the National Grocers Association’s board of directors and advocates for community efforts as president of the Coborn Family Foundation, supporting numerous local organizations across the markets it serves. She is committed to developing people and positioning teams for long-term growth and success.

Cosentino’s has introduced a number of enhancements behind the scenes and throughout its shopping experience.  

The renovations includes new refrigeration and frozen cases in key departments, refreshed and maintained lighting for a brighter environment and rebranded displays. 

Shoppers will also find a significant number of lower prices and more than 1,000 new items – offering trusted brands and fresh options tailored to the neighborhoods the company’s stores serve. 

Through a full, fresh and clean environment, Cosentino’s employees take pride in being not only part of daily operations but the growth and success of the company. With ongoing training in a classroom setting to hands-on learning in its manager-in-training program, Cosentino’s continues to invest in the future of the company and leaders. 

Family owned and operated for 77 years, Cosentino’s Food Stores has been proudly serving its hometown of Kansas City with trusted service, hometown values and a commitment to local communities. 

The company operates 32 stores under the banners of Price Chopper, Apple Market, Sun Fresh and Cosentino’s Market. 

Michigan-based Daily Deals Food Outlet believes grocery retail is more than a transaction; it is a community anchor and source to save on groceries. Operated by Natural Choice Foods, the five-store chain serves as an extension of the company’s mission: to transform excess and short-dated inventory into affordable, high quality food for communities where access and affordability matter most.  

Daily Deals began in 2013 with a single store. Over the past 12 years, it has grown to five locations, each standing the test of time. The stores have navigated economic challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, demonstrating the resilience of the team and the loyalty of customers. This is a testament to the value they provide and the trust customers place in them. 

Today, Daily Deals Food Outlet welcomes more than 11,000 customers each week 

across all locations, underscoring its role as a needed and frequently visited resource in the communities it serves. 

The ability to deliver value without compromise is reflected in a mix of branded and NCF’s private label products – repackaged in-house at the company’s USDA-inspected facility – at prices that make everyday essentials affordable. The stores are not just selling groceries; they’re solving food access challenges in real time. 

They price products 30-50 percent below big-box retailers, helping families stretch their budgets without sacrificing quality. In fact, the company estimates that each store saves its community more than $2 million annually. That’s real impact – measured not just in dollars but in meals on tables and relief in households. 

As Greenville Store Manager Josh VanHaver shared, “One of the best things about working for Daily Deals is the impact we have with our customers. I often hear that, because of us, they can keep their house stocked with groceries. Knowing how much we help our community leaves you going home every day feeling fulfilled. 

“Our rewards program boasts an impressive participation rate of nearly 90 percent, highlighting the deep loyalty of our customer base. Through this program, customers earn store credit points simply by saving money with us, reinforcing our commitment to giving back and making every dollar count.” 

Each store is staffed by passionate team members with a culture of personalized service, so the stores feel like a neighborhood grocery store. 

Inventory rotates constantly, making every visit a treasure hunt. Customers enjoy the thrill of discovering new finds each week – from premium snacks to pantry staples. Natural Choice Foods takes pride in its spotless Daily Deals Food Outlet stores and their exceptional service. It is passionate about providing quality food to all, regardless of income or background. 

At the heart of operations is the company’s purpose: “ensuring no good food goes to waste.” Daily Deals Food Outlet is more than a store – it’s a solution. The company is proud to be part of a supply chain that reduces waste, restores value and nourishes communities. 

Dave’s Supermarket is a family-owned independent grocery retailer that has served Fairbury, Illinois, and surrounding rural communities since 1950. Celebrating 75 years of service, the company has grown from a small hometown store founded by Dave and Emma Steffen into a 40,000-square-foot full-service supermarket employing more than 110 team members. 

Now led by a second-generation family member Brian Steffen, along with third-generation nephews Justin Steffen and Matthew Zehr, Dave’s Supermarket remains committed to delivering exceptional value, quality and personalized customer care. The Steffen family attributes the store’s enduring success and growth to God’s blessing, which continues to guide their history and faithful path forward. 

Known for its blend of big-city variety and small-town hospitality, Dave’s Supermarket features a traditional butcher-staffed meat department, a produce department celebrated for its fresh and seasonal offerings and the popular Pinabar pineapple-coring station. 

Dave’s Old-World Bakery is known for scratch-made doughnuts, breads, cookies and custom cakes, while the in-house 3rd Street Deli – seating 75 – continues to be a local favorite with daily complimentary coffee, 50-cent ice cream cones, homemade salads, fried chicken and the store’s growing Smokehouse line of signature meats. 

Dave’s Supermarket has made significant investments in infrastructure and innovation, including the installation of two Hussmann Protocol units for energy efficiency, updated deli, produce and bakery cases and equipment and a planned 2026 deli remodel with the help of AWG’s engineering team. 

The store leverages modern retail technologies through its Alliance Retail Group partnership, Alliance Link digital display program, Instacart home delivery, Freshop/ NCR online shopping, and the AppCard-powered Dave’s Rewards program, which offers personalized deals and loyalty benefits. 

Rooted in community support, Dave’s Supermarket partners with local food pantries for monthly produce boxes, leads the Good Neighbor Sack Summer Food Drive, supports the Lifewise school lunch program and participates in numerous Boys & Girls Club initiatives. 

Its leadership team recently completed Stephen Black’s “The 5 Rules” master class, strengthening the company’s culture of trust and service. With many long-tenured employees and a commitment to work-life balance – reflected in its longstanding practice of closing on Sundays and many holidays – Dave’s Supermarket continues to set the standard for excellence among independent grocers. 

Zach Lane, VP of retail systems, is an exceptional leader who has played a pivotal role in helping Johnston, Iowa-based Fareway Foods modernize its operations while staying true to the values that define successful independent grocers. He combines deep operational knowledge with a forward-thinking approach to technology, ensuring Fareway remains efficient, competitive and well-positioned for the future. 

A key part of Lane’s impact has been his leadership in evaluating and advancing technology across the organization. He understands that modern systems are critical to supporting store teams, improving operational consistency and delivering a strong customer experience. 

Through thoughtful adoption of retail technology, he has helped Fareway streamline processes, strengthen data visibility and support scalable growth – without losing the personal, service-driven culture Fareway is known for. 

Lane approaches technology not as a standalone initiative but as a business enabler. He works closely with internal teams and partners to ensure solutions are practical, reliable and aligned with storelevel realities. His ability to bridge operational needs with IT strategy has resulted in improvements that benefit associates, management and customers alike. 

Equally important is Lane’s people-first leadership style. He engages store teams throughout periods of change, emphasizing training, communication and accountability. This approach has helped drive adoption, minimize disruption and build confidence in new tools and processes. 

Beyond his contributions at Fareway, he is a respected voice within the independent grocery community. He values long-term partnerships, leads with integrity and consistently represents independent grocers as innovative, disciplined and community-centered businesses.