New Sobeys franchisees eager to serve community

By Ron Giofu

The new franchisees at the Sobeys grocery store in Amherstburg plan to maintain the shopping experience at the store and remain part of the community.

Rick and Krista Truant are the new franchisees, taking over the Amherstburg store from Rennie Rota as Rota retired May 6. Both bring an extensive retail background to the store and are Amherstburg residents.

“I’ve been in grocery for about 40 years,” said Rick. “I started as a bagboy at N&D (in Windsor).”

As his career progressed, Rick joined Sobeys in 2002 and ran stores in Chatham and then at the Tecumseh Mall location in Windsor.

“I left to do other retail for 16 years,” he said.

When Rick returned to the company, he managed the Sobeys store in St. Clair Beach. The opportunity arose to take over the Amherstburg location and the Truants took it “and here we are.”

Krista said she has “many years in retail” as well but when Rick was travelling a lot for work, she took a tenyear break only to return when she visited Sobeys and was offered a job by Rota. She worked in the bakery department before going over to the deli where she became the manager approximately two years ago.

Both Rick and Krista say they enjoy serving local customers and have already gotten to know a lot of them. They encourage people to say hi to them and say they want to meet more.

“It’s a great opportunity and a great community,” said Rick.

The Amherstburg store employs about 115-120 people and the Truants have high praise for them.

“We have an awesome staff,” said Krista.

While they plan to put “their own spin on things,” the Truants indicated customers can expect to see much of the same things they’re used to going forward.

“Rennie built a great store and a great community pillar,” said Rick, adding they want “to build on what he’s already done.”

“They won’t notice a change,” said Rick. “We’re here instead of Rennie.”

The transition has been smooth, he added, and that being a franchisee is very similar to previous roles as a store manager.

“You try and be the best leader as you can for the people,” said Rick.

Helping out charities, food banks and causes will be something Sobeys will continue to do going forward, he added.

“We’ll still do the best we can to support as many community organizations as possible,” said Rick. “We feel it’s important to give back.”

Ronald McDonald House and the Children’s Health Foundation are important charities to them as well, Krista stated. She also said they will work with area schools as well, noting Anderdon Public School decorated paper grocery bags for Mother’s Day.

The Truants add “it’s wonderful” to be working in their home community and everyone has been very welcoming thus far.

“We’re looking forward to having some fun,” said Rick. “We want to engage with our staff and customers.”

McHappy Day

the Business Legacy Award to Peter Leardi of 67 Richmond.