Hornbacher’s marked its 75th anniversary April 21 with a celebration honoring its deep roots in North Dakota’s Red River Valley and its commitment to supporting local communities, producers and organizations.
The event featured a ribbon cutting, live entertainment and product sampling. The milestone reflects something bigger: 75 years of being local.
Since its founding in 1951, Hornbacher’s has remained connected to the communities it serves — not only as a neighborhood grocer, but as a partner to local growers, makers and organizations. Today, that commitment continues with more than 2,000 locally-sourced products across its stores.
Emily Coborn Wright, president of Coborn’s Inc., said the local focus is foundational to the company’s identity.
“Supporting local has always been at the heart of who we are,” Coborn Wright said. “From the products on our shelves to the partnerships we build, we’re proud to invest in the people and communities that have supported Hornbacher’s for 75 years.”
Giving back during the celebration
The commitment to community was on display during the celebration.
A check for $39,990 was presented to Big Brothers Big Sisters through the annual Bowl for Kids’ Sake campaign, supported by guest donations, employee fundraising and company contributions.
In addition, Cass Clay Creamery donated more than 24,000 units of Giving Cow shelf-stable milk to the Great Plains Food Bank, helping provide a high-demand staple to families facing food insecurity across the region.
“When we talk about being local, it goes beyond what’s on our shelves,” Coborn Wright said. “It’s about showing up for our communities and supporting organizations doing important work where our guests and employees live.”
Guests can join the celebration with special 75th anniversary offers over the next five weeks, featuring savings across the store, including local products.
As Hornbacher’s looks to the future, its focus remains unchanged: serving its communities, supporting local partners and being part of the moments that matter most.
About Coborn’s
St. Cloud, Minnesota-based Coborn’s Inc. is a 105-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 10,000 employees and 79 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois.
The company operates under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods, Hornbacher’s, Kessler’s Food and Grocery and Sullivan’s Foods banners. Coborn’s Inc. also operates fuel, liquor, coffee, hardware and pharmacy locations. To support its more than 135 various retail business units, Coborn’s Inc. operates its own central bakery and grocery distribution center.
In 2021, Coborn’s Inc. was named The Shelby Report of the Midwest’s Retailer of the Year. In 2025, the company was certified as a Great Place To Work.
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