by Eric Pereira / staff writer Nakul Patel, owner of Mt. Plymouth IGA Market in Sorrento, Florida, said consumers and the supply chain have gained a deeper appreciation for independent grocers during COVID-19 pandemic – and that feeling is likely to continue. “I truly believe that the independent grocer will thrive this decade,” Patel said. […]
Category: Market Profile
Miami Area Bravo Supermarkets Carry ‘Little Bit Of Everything’
Bravo chain proud of private label items, multicultural produce department by Mary Margaret Stewart / staff writer Weston, Florida, became home to a new Bravo Supermarkets location in 2020, but the year came with some challenges. Relinda Vásquez, president of the grocery chain, said the main recurring problem for her in the Miami area was […]
Superior’s Ideal Market Known For Customer Service, Quality Meat
by Mary Margaret Stewart / staff writer In Shannon McCord’s words, “It’s always been a family affair at Ideal Market” in Superior, Nebraska. McCord’s grandfather founded the store in 1949. Then, his father ran it upon returning from service in the U.S. Navy. McCord, the third-generation operator, took over straight out of college in 1998. […]
‘Crisis Took Serving To A New Level’ At Valley Fresh Market
Store in Solvang gave away toilet paper, started selling barbecue by John McCurry / contributing writer As is the case for many independent grocers, Greg King has spent much of his life in the business. Now 52, he began working at a grocery store when he was 14. His father was in the business during […]
New Year Brings Self-Checkout, Online Shopping To Buche Foods
Family-owned business serves smaller rural towns of South Dakota by Mary Margaret Stewart / staff writer R.F. Buche is the fourth-generation owner of Buche Foods, which was founded in Lake Andes, South Dakota, in 1905 by his great-grandfather, Gus Buche. Today, R.F. Buche owns and operates grocery and convenience stores, a Subway sandwich shop, […]
MarketPlace Foods Keeps Focus On Associates, Their Resilience
Employee owned as of Jan. 1, company celebrating 80th anniversary by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer Founded in 1940 in Edinburgh, North Dakota, MarketPlace Foods just celebrated its 80th anniversary. And the company is entering 2021 with strong grocery business on its side. “The sales that we’ve had since the pandemic started are amazing – […]
Scolari’s Food And Drug Owner: ‘We Are Not The Normal Grocery’
One of Scolari’s stores features strong gaming presence by John McCurry / contributing writer Jerry Scolari thinks increased grocery sales, propelled by the COVID-19 pandemic, will continue through the first part of 2021. He is co-owner of the two-store chain, Scolari’s Food and Drug, which he said has been up to the challenges presented […]
WEST: Market Profile: Harmons In Utah Always Puts Shoppers First
by Mary Margaret Stewart, staff writer After finishing college, Jordan Meister moved back in with his parents in Utah while he worked to pay off his student loans. “The day after I moved, my mom told me to go get a job,” Meister said. “So I went down to Harmons and got a job washing […]
