Lamb’s Thriftway

Bob Lamb, owner of Lamb’s Thriftway, has set his Portland, Ore.-area stores apart from the local competition with an innovative grilling program.

The grill department was recently moved from the back of Lamb’s Lake Oswego, Ore., location — where it was adjacent to the store's deli — to a more prominent space in the front of the store, after that area was vacated by a bank branch.

“The grills bring people into the store daily,” Bob Lamb, owner of Lamb’s Thriftway, told SN.

Two associates run the grill department.

The grills have become a prominent feature in every Lamb’s store, offering shoppers a varied menu of slow-cooked meals.

The barbecue and deli combined account for 13% of sales at the Lake Oswego store.

Specialties in the Lamb's Thriftway grill department include Bacon & Blue Cheese Meatloaf and Pork Tenderloin Roasts. Grilled Brussels sprouts have also been an unexpected hit.

Grilled salmon is one of the best-sellers.

Customers say they want mac-and-cheese as a regular side dish.

The grill remained popular with customers even during the worst months of the recession, according to owner Bob Lamb.