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Video: A look inside the newest Roche Bros. store in Boston

The European-style supermarket is designed to cater to the local consumer

Holly Petre, Assistant Digital Editor

April 22, 2022

Roche Bros.’ newest store may have opened a year ago, but it feels like it’s finally getting its footing, according to operations manager Artie Kroese. The 20-unit Boston area grocery chain isn’t planning on growing anytime soon, however — it’s comfortable where it’s at.

“Supermarkets are hard,” Kroese told Supermarket News about potential plans for expansion outside of the current location for the Mansfield, Mass.-based brand.

Something that separates Roche Bros. apart from its competitors — namely, Amazon and fellow regional grocer The Market Basket — is that is doesn’t have a warehouse. While that may be seen as a hindrance, Roche Bros. has used the same produce company for years as a supplier and is their only customer. So, the warehouse at the supplier functions as Roche Bros warehouse for fresh produce.

One thing that stands out in the meat department at Roche Bros.’ latest store is the smoker, which has performed well for sales.

And in the prepared foods section, look out for the bolognaise. Kroese said it’s one of the chain’s signature items and is on the way to becoming something the store is known for. He even told Supermarket News it’s better than his mother-in-law’s bolognaise!

Check out the store in this exclusive tour from Supermarket News.

About the Author

Holly Petre

Holly Petre

Assistant Digital Editor

Holly Petre is a content producer and assistant digital editor as well as the host of Nation’s Restaurant News’ podcast, Extra Serving, and producer for Informa Restaurant and Food Groups other three podcasts, One On One by Food Management, Off the Shelf with SN and In the Kitchen with Bret Thorn. Holly holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Sculpture, fibers and Material Studies and Ceramics from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. A native New Yorker, Holly enjoys her place on staff as the resident pop-culture expert and millennial with a sassy attitude and great sense of style.

Holly Petre’s work on Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality often covers marketing and trends, either aimed-at or examined-through the millennial mindset. Holly is responsible for introducing TikTok and Twitch to NRN and RH readers as well as explaining terms like “Karen” to staff and readers alike. She also spends her time on staff trying not to make every headline a pun.

Holly Petre hasn’t spoken at any events or on panels, but she is readily available with a killer shoe wardrobe and several witty quips.

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