Stew Leonard's hits the airwaves with a LegenDAIRY podcast

Grocery stores are like people—they come in all different shapes and sizes. And here at The Local Checkout, I’ll be taking a closer look through a wide lens of independent grocery stores. Because just like people—they all matter. 

Tune in

Family-owned and -operated grocery store chain Stew Leonard's has a new podcast, and after listening to the first episode, I highly recommend it.

The podcast is co-hosted by cousins Chase Leonard and Andrew Hollis, grandchildren of the late store founder Stew Leonard Sr.

The LegenDAIRY podcast—a nod to the grocer’s founder—will consist of 10 episodes released monthly.

Episode one, which is available now, is titled “Every Product Has A Story.” Full of fun and masterful storytelling, Chase and Andrew recount memorable stories of the grocer’s famous products, detailing which ones are the most popular.

“We want to be able to share all these amazing stories because there are great lessons for people who are listening,” Chase told The Local Checkout.

Spoiler alert for the first episode—listen on a full stomach, especially if you have a sweet tooth.

“We have so many cool stories, and we really just wanted to put that out there and give people some context as to why we do what we do,” said Andrew.

Upcoming guests will include Chase’s father, company President and CEO Stew Leonard Jr.

Be sure to stay tuned.

500 and counting

This next bit of indie news has me marching to The Proclaimers’ “I’m Gonna Be.” You’ll see why in a bit.

Better-for-you grocer Natural Grocers hit an important sustainability milestone—500 million to be exact. The family-operated natural and organic retailer has prevented 500 million single-use plastic bags from impacting the environment since 2009 with its disposable bag-free checkouts and additional practices to reduce packaging and waste.

And on top of that, the practice has also enabled Natural Grocers to donate over $1.5 million to their local food bank partners.

Each time a shopper brings their own bag, Natural Grocers donates 5¢ to local established food bank partners.

With its "Bring Your Own Bag" program, it’s no wonder the song, by the Scottish music duo, has me marching singing their lyrics, “But I would walk 500 miles, and I would walk 500 more …”

Wanna dance?

Moving on to the music of the 90s, Naples, Florida-based Seed to Table grocery store on Friday is hosting a throwback dance party. The grocer is also kicking off the Fourth of July weekend with an IndepenDANCE Party on Saturday night at its 75,000-square-foot farmer’s market-inspired store in North Naples.

FMI Manager award

Family-owned and -operated, Roche Bros. Supermarkets Store Manager Wander Rezende is one of five recipients of the recent FMI—The Food Industry Association 2023 Store Manager Awards.

“Our 2023 recipients are in a class of their own as they have maneuvered through post-pandemic challenges and shoppers’ changing behaviors, all while serving as pillars of their local communities and uplifting their workforce. It is an honor to recognize and celebrate them,” said Leslie G. Sarasin, FMI’s president and CEO, in a statement. Kudos to all!

Wakefern wins Vertex Awards

Wakefern Food Corp., the nation’s largest retailer-owned cooperative with member companies that own and operate supermarkets under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market banners, on Thursday announced its Own Brand products were recognized with Gold, Silver and Bronze Vertex Awards.

“We are excited the Vertex judges recognized the distinct design of each of these items in our Bowl & Basket, Paperbird and Wholesome Pantry Organic lines,’’ said Pam Ofri, director of Own Brands at Wakefern.

The Vertex Awards is a global competition devoted exclusively to the art of private brand package design. Wakefern Food Corp. won the following awards for product design in Own Brands:

Thanks for reading The Local Checkout. Have a happy and safe Fourth of July! Got an indie grocery story news item you think I missed? Email [email protected]