Indie grocers are popping up all over the country

With everyone traveling near and far this holiday season, The Local Checkout this week is also traveling to various parts of the country with local indie news. So first, let's head out West.

Mountain West

Grocery wholesale cooperative Associated Food Stores (AFS), which serves more than 400 independent grocers in the western states, opened its latest grocery store in Utah.

Nestled in the heart of the Pinebrook neighborhood of Park City, Macey’s Market Pinebrook marks a significant moment for the communities it serves and for the Macey’s brand.  David Rice, president and CEO of AFS said “all I can say is wow!” regarding the new store located in the mountain community. Previously a Fresh Market store, the location underwent an extensive and transformative remodel, which includes the addition of an ACE Hardware.

Los Angeles

Ethnic grocery retailer 99 Ranch Market will host a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 29 for its brand new location at 1360 Westwood Boulevard in Los Angeles. “We are excited to be a part of the Westwood community, and can’t wait for you to explore our selection of high quality Asian products,” the grocer shared on social media.

Midwest

Turning to the Midwest, Brookhaven Marketplace, a neighborhood grocery store that “believes in creating lifelong memories around the dinner table,” opened its fourth location earlier this month in the Chicago area. The new location is at 450 E. Golf Road in the Chicago suburb of  Arlington Heights. The family-owned grocery retailer believes in “curating experiences, fostering community, and embracing every customer as a cherished guest.”

East Coast

Heading out to the East Coast? Retailer-owned grocery co-op Allegiance Retail Services reopened its New York-area Foodtown supermarket in the Brainbridge section of the Bronx.

“This supermarket is the original store started by my grandfather Paul Katz in 1956 and has undergone significant growth and transformation over the years, expanding from its original 4,000 square feet to its current size of 14,000 square feet,” said Noah Katz, president, CEO of PSK Supermarkets and ARS board member.

Allegiance Retail Services Inc. is the marketing and merchandising cooperative for New York-area supermarkets such as Foodtown, Green Way Markets, Morton Williams, D’Agostino and Gristedes.

South

Indie news from the South includes headlines that Healthier Choices Management Corp. (HCMC) has acquired another local grocer to add it to its grocery portfolio.

The store is Ellwood Thompson’s, an organic and natural health food and vitamin store located in Richmond, Virginia. “After 35 years, it is now time for me to retire, and is time for a change in fresh ideas and new opportunities,” owner Rick Hood posted on the grocer’s website.

Jeffrey Holman, CEO of HCMC, made this statement regarding the acquisition, “Ellwood Thompson’s is a strategic asset that continues to accelerate the expansion of our grocery segment. It is yet another step in solidifying our growth initiatives, and based upon past performance, we believe our total revenue will approach $70,000,000 on an annualized basis.”

Holman concluded, “We believe this transaction offers compelling value to our shareholders and is yet another element in our endeavor to continue building an attractive, growing business with first-class capabilities.”

Thanks for reading The Local Checkout. Got an indie grocery story news item you think I missed? Email [email protected]