by Jonathan Tan, co-founder of the Ratio Institute In 1916, Clarence Saunders opened the first self-service grocery store in Memphis, Tennessee. In 1930, the modern supermarket arrived in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York, in the form of King Kullen. These innovations birthed the need for the fourth utility in food retail – modern […]
Category: News
Posted inGuest Contributors, National, News
Leadership: Learning To Lead Like A National Park Guide
We recently went on a graduation celebration trip with our oldest grandson, Dax Graham Black, to Mesa Verde National Park. We had two different guides take us through a couple of the main attractions there – the Cliff House and the Balcony House. I had this thought as they inspired and educated us on how […]
Posted inAssociation News, News, Northeast
NJFC Awards $97,500 In Food Industry Scholarships
The New Jersey Food Council’s (NJFC) Educational Development Scholarship Foundation held a virtual reception with the recipients of $97,500 in scholarships this graduation season to further the next generation of business and food industry leaders. “This is a special celebration of our industry’s students, their dreams and the companies who support them,” said Linda Doherty, […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, National, News
Instacart’s FoodStorm Expands As Grocers Upgrade Fresh Counters
As more people seek out freshly prepared foods, Instacart says many grocers are turning to its FoodStorm order management system (OMS) to meet customer expectations and streamline perimeter counter operations. FoodStorm provides functionality for grocery perimeter counters to streamline order-ahead and foodservice operations, including made-to-order and catering. Over the first half of 2025, FoodStorm has […]
Posted inFeature, Association News, Bakery News, Dairy News, Deli News, National, News
Webinar Unpacks Trends From IDDBA 2025
Consumer anxieties, vibrant merchandising and the fast rising influence of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare topped the talking points during a June 12 International Dairy Deli Bakery Association-sponsored webinar, “Digesting All the Trends at IDDBA 2025.” Maeve Webster, president of the Bennington, Vermont-based consultancy Menu Matters, and Mike Kostyo, VP, sifted through what they saw on the show floor to […]
Posted inAssociation News, Guest Contributors, National, News
SNAP Incentives, Fresh Innovation And The Role Of Independent Grocers
In June, the independent grocery industry came together in force for the 2025 NGA Fresh Summit in Milwaukee, where fresh food innovation met community commitment. From fresh-forward merchandising strategies to discussions about food safety, traceability and technology, the summit underscored what independent grocers already know – fresh food is not only a driver of growth […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, News, Southwest, Walmart
Walmart Accepting Applications For ‘Open Call’ Product Event
Walmart is accepting applications for its annual “Open Call” event, set for Oct. 7-8, which gives small business owners and entrepreneurs an opportunity to sell their U.S.-made, -grown or -assembled products via the retailer. New this year, the Open Call is expanding beyond products to include innovative companies developing technologies that enable or enhance U.S. manufacturing. […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Food City, News, Southeast
Food City Begins Annual PVA Donation Drive
Food City has begun its annual in-store donation campaign for Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), a national nonprofit for disabled vets, their families and caregivers. In partnership with seven-time NASCAR champion Richard Petty, the campaign will run through July 29, encouraging shoppers to donate $1, $3 or $5 at check out. Food City also offers customers an opportunity […]