independent grocer Archives
Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, Midwest, News

Chester’s Chicken Chuck Returns To Much Fanfare In Spencer, IN

A community event from 1940 was brought back recently as the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and Babbs Supermarket in Spencer, Indiana, hosted the Chester’s Chicken Chuck. The event, also held in partnership with the Owen County Community Foundation, Smithville and other local sponsors, took place on the courthouse lawn Sept. 6. In 1940, local […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Southeast

Detwiler’s Farm Market To Open New Store In Bradenton, FL

Detwiler’s Farm Market will open its seventh location following the renovation of a former Winn-Dixie store in the Braden River Plaza at 4502 E State Road 64 in Bradenton, Florida.  The 43,000-square-foot store will feature Detwiler’s signature departments – including farm-fresh produce, high quality meats and seafood, old-fashioned deli and scratch-made bakery – while introducing […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, News, Schnucks

1939 Group Inc. Names Bell Company’s First President

Family-owned 1939 Group Inc., the newly established holding company for Festival Foods, Hometown Grocers and Schnuck Markets, has named David Bell president. In this new role, Bell will execute the vision, direct organizational strategy and oversee day-to-day operations for the company, reporting to Todd Schnuck, chairman and CEO.  Bell will maintain a dual role as […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, News, Northeast, Wakefern

Wakefern Food Corp. Adds Afresh’s AI Fresh Buying Solution

Wakefern Food Corp. is among the first to implement Afresh’s Fresh Buying solution across its produce, meat, seafood, deli and bakery distribution centers. Fresh Buying represents a new model for meat, deli, bakery and produce buyers. It provides the agility and artificial intelligence needed to manage perishables at scale, beyond what conventional supply-chain tools were […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, News, Schnucks

Schnucks Supports United Way With Round Up Donation

From Sept. 17-30, Schnuck Markets Inc. held its annual United Way Round Up at the Register campaign, raising $108,264 for the nonprofit. One hundred percent of customer round ups will benefit the United Way chapters in the communities in which they were donated and will contribute to the organization’s mission to build a more resilient […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, Southeast

Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery Fulfills Co-Owners’ Food Dreams

Bringing like-minded people together has resulted in at least eight marriages and some lasting friend groups, according to Mary Walsh, co-owner of Swamp Rabbit Café & Grocery in Greenville, South Carolina. Walsh, who opened the store in fall 2011 with co-owner Jacqueline “Jac” Oliver, said, “When you build a place where people will interact with […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, Southeast

HFG Empowering Employee-Owners, Supporting Communities

A 100-percent employee-owned company, Bowling Green, Kentucky-based Houchens Food Group (HFG) operates in the grocery, convenience, hardware and restaurant industries. It has more than 400 locations across 15 states, including Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Alabama. HFG is a subsidiary of Houchens Industries Inc., one of the largest and most diversified wholly-owned S Corp employee […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Northeast, ShopRite

Cingari Family Markets Renovating ShopRite In Southbury, CT

Cingari Family Markets, a family-owned and operated supermarket company, has begun renovating its ShopRite at 775 Main St. South in Southbury, Connecticut. The renovation, part of the company’s investment in its 12 stores across southwestern Connecticut, will bring a fresh, modern look and a host of new amenities to enhance the shopping experience. Construction is […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor of the Year, Affiliated Foods, Anniversary Issues, News, Southwest

Affiliated Foods At 80: Cooperative’s Legacy Remains Rooted In Family

In an industry defined by change, Affiliated Foods Inc. in Amarillo, Texas, has spent the last 80 years anchoring independent grocers with a simple promise: integrity, innovation and a shared sense of ownership. This year, that legacy is honored on a larger stage. The Shelby Report of the Southwest has named AFI its Wholesaler of […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Feature, News, Southeast

Russell’s Food Center Marks 90 Years In ‘Heart Of Acadiana’

Russell’s Food Center describes itself as a small family-run business that “continues to thrive in downtown Arnaudville, Louisiana, the heart of Acadiana.” The store, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary in September, is owned and operated by the fourth- and fifth-generation descendants of George and Nora Coles, who acquired what was then a dry goods […]

Posted in, Midwest, News, Online Grocery Technology

AppCard Powers New Loyalty Partnership Between Randy’s Market, AAA

Randy’s Neighborhood Market, powered by AppCard, has announced a new partnership with AAA – The Auto Club Group (ACG). As part of the arrangement, AAA members shopping at participating Randy’s Neighborhood Market locations in Iowa will receive a special offer of $5 off a $50 purchase. In addition, new AAA members who join using Randy’s […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, News, West

Oliver’s Market Study Highlights Economic Benefits of Shopping Local

Santa Rosa, California-based Oliver’s Market has released findings from an updated economic impact study that shows the grocer continues to have a stronger economic impact in Sonoma County than non-local grocers and retailers of comparable size. Based on 2024 data, the “Supporting Local Businesses and Workers: Economic Impacts of Oliver’s Market” report is the fourth […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Northeast, Weis Markets

Weis Markets Kicks Off 18th Year Of Fight Hunger Campaign

Weis Markets has launched its 18th annual Fight Hunger in-store donation program, which supports regional food banks in its seven-state market area. Throughout Hunger Action Month in September, customers can round-up their grocery bills to the next dollar, donate $1, $3 or $5 at checkout or give online at WeisMarkets.com. To maximize the impact, Weis Markets […]

Posted inMarket Profile, Independent Store News, Midwest, News

Moose’s Market Owner Enjoys Freedom Of Being An Independent Grocer

For Amy Parnell, being an independent grocer isn’t just a business model – it’s her passion. As owner of Moose’s Market in Higginsville, Missouri, she has spent the past nine years shaping the store on her own terms, guided by lessons learned growing up in the grocery business and her love for serving people. “I […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, News, Southeast

Detwiler’s Farm Market To Open New DC In Palmetto, FL

Detwiler’s Farm Market will open a new warehouse and distribution center Sept. 29 at Florida International Tradeport in Palmetto, Florida. Spanning nearly one mile along Interstate-75 at the U.S. 301 interchange, the tradeport is a 2 million-square-foot industrial park. Detwiler’s 133,000-square-foot facility will serve as the hub for the family-owned grocery chain’s six grocery stores, creating […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Midwest, News, Schnucks

Schnuck Family To Purchase Skogen’s Festival Foods, Hometown Grocers

The 1939 Group Inc., owned by the Schnuck family, will purchase 100 percent of the shares of the Wisconsin-based parent company of Skogen’s Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers Inc., according to an announcement by Todd Schnuck, chairman and CEO of Schnuck Markets Inc. The purchase includes shares held by Mark Skogen, CEO of Festival Foods […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Big Y Foods, Executive News, News, Northeast

Big Y Appoints 4 To Director Roles

The Big Y Foods Inc. Board of Directors has announced the following appointments: Caroline Cuzeau, director of financial planning and analysis; Anita Giroux, director of IT infrastructure; Morgan Spencer, director of retail marketing; and Beth Young, district director. “At Big Y, we take pride in supporting the development and growth of our team members as […]

Posted inGrocery Store Equipment, National, News

NRS Partners With DoorDash To Help Independent Grocers

National Retail Solutions Inc. (NRS) has begun a partnership with DoorDash, using its retail APIs to strengthen small independent retailers across America. “This important partnership allows those businesses to thrive in the face of uncertainty, ensuring local communities flourish,” said Elie Y. Katz, CEO and president of NRS. “[The collaboration] with DoorDash gives these local […]