When he was 14, Ray Sprinkle was hired to sort soda bottles in the back of the grocery store his father ran in Kansas. Sprinkle didn’t know it at the time, but he would go on to spend the bulk of his 50-plus-year professional career – and make a name for himself – in that […]
Category: Bonus Content
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, West
At Hawaii-Based KTA, ‘We Are What We Are Because Of Our Community’
Toby Taniguchi is the yonsei of his family’s company on the Big Island of Hawai’i. That is, he is the fourth generation to lead the business, Puna Plantation Hawaii Ltd., based in Hilo. The company comprises businesses including six KTA Super Stores, KTA Express, five KTA Pharmacy locations and K. Takata Store, which Puna Plantation […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, West
Beauty, Challenges Are Dual Realities In Isolated, Expensive Hawaii
For all its natural beauty, welcoming people and myriad other charms, Hawaii does have its share of challenges economically, which impact the islands’ food store operators. Alexis Chapman, director of operations for the Hawaii Food Industry Association in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, said the state’s economy is growing but still faces some unique […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Retailer of the Year, Southwest
Crest Foods Will Always Remain ‘Home Of Rock Bottom Prices’
Kevin Ergenbright, VP of Crest Foods, has worked with the company throughout his career. He recently shared some of his history and insights into the company, which has been named The Shelby Report of the Southwest’s 2024 Retailer of the Year. Can you give a brief history of your career in the grocery industry? Crest […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Home Page Latest News, Retailer of the Year, Southwest
Crest Foods President: ‘We’re Not Real Flashy, We Just Work Hard’
Like many who grew up in family-owned and -operated grocery stores, Crest Foods President Bruce Harroz got his start in the business at an early age. He was just 12 when he began working in his father’s store in Midwest City, Oklahoma, part of the Oklahoma City metro area. “The apron was too long, so […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, Lowes Foods, Southeast
Pursuit Of Innovation Key To ‘Very Bright Future’ For Lowes Foods
Lowes Foods is celebrating 70 years in the grocery business this year. It began with a small grocery store in Wilkesboro, North Carolina, operated by Jim Lowe, who was part of the family that founded a separate business under the same name selling home improvement products. The focus at Jim Lowe’s grocery store was on […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, Lowes Foods, Southeast
Lowes Foods’ In-Store Atmosphere Offers Sense Of Community
The Community Table is the heart of a Lowes Foods store. Constructed of reclaimed wood from local barns, the table is designed to bring the community together through events like food pairings, tea parties and floral arranging classes. Private events ranging from birthday parties for kids to beer and wine pairings for adults (Beer & […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, National
What Presidential Election Means For Independent Grocers In 2025
The past several years have brought a host of policy wins for independent grocers. From progress toward antitrust enforcement and credit card reform to protection of federal nutrition programs, NGA’s advocacy efforts have made historic leaps. While we have been building momentum on these issues, there is still plenty to do. With the results of […]