Posted inMarket Profile, Home Page Latest News, Independent Store News, Shelby Exclusives, Southwest

Phoenicia Specialty Foods ‘Further Carved Out’ Niche To Differentiate Itself

Owner praises team for ‘collective positive effort’ through challenging times by Eric Pereira / staff writer  The COVID-19 pandemic pushed grocery stores across the country to bring more convenience to their customers. As a result, Phoenicia Specialty Foods in Houston sees opportunities in the realm of pre-packaged meals, said Ann-Marie Tcholakian, manager and owner. “COVID […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Home Page Latest News, Midwest, Shelby Exclusives

Grocers In Buckeye State ‘Had Our Good Days And Our Bad Days’

Online ordering, safety likely to stay; samples, salad bars out by Eric Pereira/ staff writer While customers have found convenience and other advantages in online ordering, so too did Ohio independent grocers, especially during the frantic peaks of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Jennifer Williams, owner of Weiland’s Market in Columbus, Ohio, praised her store’s partnership with […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Home Page Latest News, Lipari Foods, Market Profile, Shelby Exclusives, Southeast

Grocer: Suppliers Finally Realized Importance Of Smaller Independents

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. […]

Posted inBravo Supermarkets, Home Page Latest News, Market Profile, Shelby Exclusives, Southeast

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 […]

Posted in, Home Page Latest News, Market Profile, Midwest, Shelby Exclusives

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. […]

Posted inShelby Exclusives, Albertsons, Home Page Latest News, Market Profile, West

‘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 […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Home Page Slider, Market Profile, Midwest, Shelby Exclusives

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, […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Home Page Slider, Market Profile, Midwest, Shelby Exclusives

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 – […]