The Village Market in Moab, Utah – the gateway to Arches and Canyonlands National Parks – is marking its 20th anniversary this year with a community celebration planned for May 2.
The specialty grocery store opened in 2006 under owner John Buxman, who has built the business into a four-store operation spanning three states.
The location at 702 S. Main St. in Moab has become a community anchor, known for its welcoming atmosphere, specialty product selection and ties to the people it serves.
“Upon entering the store, customers can sense a welcoming atmosphere that reflects our strong sense of community, thanks to our friendly and helpful staff,” said Deb Winters, assistant manager. “If we do not have a particular item in stock, we are always eager to check our resources and arrange to order it in.”
Winters credited Buxman with creating a workplace culture where every employee feels valued. She said he takes the time to learn employees’ names, their families and interests, and never leaves a store without thanking the team for its work.
The store offers competitive pay and employee benefits, a combination that helps retain staff in the small southeastern Utah town where recruitment can be challenging.
“His approach to business management combines intelligence and grace, motivating us to strive for excellence and to be our best selves,” Winters said.
Buxman regularly visits each of his four locations to help with maintenance projects and daily operations. Winters said the area supervisors – including Jim Shrock and Sheyn Love – along with general manager Desiree West carry that same hands-on philosophy, working alongside staff on whatever needs to get done.
Community involvement is central to how The Village Market operates. Buxman provides donations to local organizations, participates in parades, gives gift cards to community groups and sponsors local families by supplying essential food items during times of need.
He encourages staff to volunteer as well. Winters noted that Buxman is continuing a tradition established by his late father, who passed the family business on to him.
The anniversary celebration May 2 will feature an outdoor front porch barbecue, giveaways and a prize wheel for customers. The event is designed as a thank-you to the community that has supported the store for two decades.
“I owe a great deal of my growth and knowledge to our owner,” Winters said. “This role has been an incredible learning journey, and each day feels like returning to family when I come to work.”
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