2024 EIA West

Introducing a salute to ‘backbone of our industry’

On the following pages, Shelby Publishing is proud to present its second annual Exceptional Independents Awards. Nominations were open to independent retailers, wholesalers, technology and other service providers.

“Independents are the backbone of our industry, and this awards program is an opportunity to recognize them for their contributions,” said Stephanie Reid, Shelby president and COO.

“Independents are a vital part of their communities and lead the way in caring for their customers. Our Exceptional Independents Awards shine a light on these businesses that continue to help feed our communities.”

Coverage of the award winners will appear by region in the March 2024 editions of The Shelby Report of the Midwest, The Shelby Report of the Southeast, The Shelby Report of the Southwest, The Shelby Report of the West and The Griffin Report of the Northeast. Awards winners also will be featured on theshelbyreport.com.

ABC Stores

A familiar name in Hawaii since 1949, with friendly store people, large selections and more than 70 stores, ABC Stores has progressed from a mom and pop store to one of the most recognizable brands in the Hawaii tourism industry.

The founders of ABC Stores, through their vision, paved the road for this success with a belief in two fundamental tenets – convenience and service.

Founded by Sidney and Minnie Kosasa, ABC Stores had its start in the 1930s. Sidney Kosasa grew up working in his parents’ grocery store in Honolulu, and went on to earn a degree in pharmaceutical services at the University of California at Berkeley in 1942. In 1949, the Kosasas opened Thrifty Drugs and a chain of drug stores followed soon thereafter.

On a trip to Miami Beach, Sidney Kosasa watched visitors shopping local convenience stores instead of high-priced hotel shops. He envisioned that Waikiki would someday be packed with visitors, like Miami Beach, and the ABC concept was born – stores conveniently located for visitors, with merchandise sold at fair prices.

Drawing upon his experience in drug and grocery stores, Kosasa opened the first ABC outlet on Waikiki Beach in 1964. It stocked grocery, souvenirs, drugs and cosmetics and anything else visitors would need. He decided to stay away from a fancy moniker and settled on ABC as a name that everyone could remember.

Today, there are ABC Stores on every major island in Hawaii and the ABC concept has been exported to Guam, Saipan and Las Vegas. It has grown to include the fresh and wholesome Island Gourmet Markets, Island Country Markets and Honolua General Store, the newest operation.

Bottle Shoppe

George Younan does an excellent job of merchandising, promoting and prospecting the latest and greatest items on the market for the Bottle Shoppe in Southern California. His team is engaging and loves to help find exactly what customers need.

The stores’ selections and prices are great. The Bottle Shoppe’s EIA nominator wrote that he would recommend it to anyone wanting to find something fun and new, as well as to someone that needs to be reassured they will find what they are looking for on a regular basis.

Cardenas Markets

Beginning with a lucky twist of fate and many years of hard work, Ontario, Californiabased Cardenas Markets is becoming one of the state’s fastest growing independent grocers, with all signs pointing to more growth for the company.

In 1957, founder Jesus Cardenas arrived from Jalisco, Mexico, to work as part of the “bracero” work program.

Years of working in the fields led him to different locations all over the state, from Riverside and Oxnard, to the Coachella Valley. All three

Columbus IGA Plus

Broulim’s Fresh Foods

In 1922, Charlie Broulim started his first grocery store on Main Street in Rigby, Idaho. Since that time, Broulim’s has developed a reputation for combining world-class service with the best products.

Broulim’s has experienced much success over the past 90 years as it has expanded into new locations throughout Idaho and western Wyoming. Today, there are 10 locations: Afton, Alpine, Driggs, Montpelier, Rigby, Rexburg, Sandcreek, Shelley, Soda Springs and St. Anthony.

Broulim’s employs more than 800 well-trained associates, which the company considers its greatest asset. Through them, Broulim’s strives to offer the highest

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of these areas would later become prime locations for Cardenas Markets.

Cardenas specializes in flavors from Latin America, but the company also prides itself on a unique shopping experience.

The goal, according to Marco Robles, its public affairs director, is to give customers the feeling they are shopping in an outdoor plaza environment.

In 1973, George Matovich bought Davis Thriftway in Columbus, Montana, with minimal knowledge of the grocery business. He renamed the store Columbus Food Farm and doubled its size within two years. By 1978, Matovich had further increased the square footage and offerings and joined the Independent Grocers Alliance.

levels of customer service, quality and value available in the industry.

Broulim’s stores support local community teams, schools and activities.

Employees willingly serve as community leaders, holding important offices in chambers of commerce, city government and local service clubs.

Broulim’s is proud of its heritage and contribution to the development of southeastern Idaho and looks to the future with enthusiasm and optimism as it strives for new opportunities.

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Over the past 50 years, the Matovich family has upgraded the store on average every three years, with

Fiesta Foods

Kevin Clark and Kim Burgess of Fiesta Foods in Washington state work very hard in the industry to bring the best to their staff and to the communities they serve.

The entire Fiesta group has refined its process to provide the best quality products at the best value and have grown to support the Hispanic communities beyond store walls.

When shopping at Fiesta Foods, customers can expect the best experience as well as a chance to celebrate Hispanic heritage.

either innovative technology or major expansions, including a pharmacy. That pharmacy, run by George Matovich’s grandson, Mike Matovich, has made the store a wellness hub in the community.

Community support was important to George Matovich and remains integral to the Matovich family and Columbus IGA Plus store, which donates to nearly every organization, fundraiser, school and sports function while providing learning opportunities to students from preschool through high school.

Some other notable qualities of the store include:

• Many online reviewers mention the friendly and helpful staff who go above and beyond to assist customers.

• Customers appreciate the wide variety of products available, including local and organic options.

• The store is consistently mentioned as being clean and well-maintained.

• Many reviewers find the prices at Columbus IGA Plus to be competitive with other grocery stores in the area.

Foodland IGA

The company began in 1978, when Kent Myers opened Casey’s, a single grocery store on Whidbey Island, Washington. Since then, it has grown from a small family business of 25 people to an award-winning retail management company of 600-plus, with fewer than 10 employees turning over.

Along the way, the company has learned a lot from experience, so it can leverage that expertise and insight to help clients run their businesses more efficiently, economically and successfully.

The Myers Group is proud of its employees and the work they have accomplished. The company has won many awards including: 1999 IGA International Retailer

Foods Etc.

To the people living in Clearlake, California, for the past 25 years, Foods Etc. is much more than their favorite local grocery store. Foods Etc. is a beloved community center and a business that takes great care in nurturing friends and family.

And speaking of family, Kori Pierson and her husband, Andrew, recently took ownership of the store from her parents and local favorites, Dennis and Ruth Darling.

Kori and Andrew Pierson, both Rotarians, support their community through local events such as the Rotary Seafood Boil and See’s Candies sale. They support their local schools through Backpack for Students and Foods Fights Hunger. Every year, the Foods Etc. team creates

Hammer & Wikan

The Independent Grocers Alliance selected Jim Floyd, Gainhart Samuelson and Bruce Westre of Hammer & Wikan in Petersburg, Alaska, as one of its nine 2024 IGA USA Retailers of the Year.

Hammer & Wikan has been in business since 1921, celebrating its centennial in 2021. The company started as a small dairy and dry goods store and later expanded into a hardware and grocery store.

As the needs of the community grew, so did the business. In 1995, the current grocery store was built and its previous location downtown was converted solely to hardware.

Employees have stayed with the company for many

Hank’s Market

of the Year; 2007 Washington Food Industry Retailer of the Year; 2008 Seattle Magazine - Best Supermarket in Seattle Award; 2010 IGA Retailer of the Year – USA; 2015 Washington Food Industry Community Service Award; 2016 IGA Presidents Award for Innovation; and 2016 IGA International Retailer of the Year

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the Kidsfest event that draws hundreds of local kids for free food, bounce houses, games and give-a-ways.

At Christmas, they assist with an annual dinner, serving more than 800 people in the community. The Pierson’s boys are also involved in these events, carrying on the family tradition of servant leadership in their home town.

Before changing ownership in 2023, the Darlings ensured the store itself was in great shape. They made a number of improvements, including replacing the produce wet rack and the entire freezer lineup. They also installed some 400 solar panels on the roof of the building.

Dennis Darling was planning for the future.

In his words, “We have been serving Lake County for 40 years, and we are looking forward to the ‘kids’ carrying on on that service for another 40 years.”

The people at Foods Etc. know and understand their customers, and they cater specifically to them. They are great merchants, too, as evidenced from some of the displays in the store. It is also hard to miss the level of passion and enthusiasm of store associates.

Every community should be fortunate enough to have a store like Foods Etc. This store, and these people are rare these days.

years, with some like the meat manager having celebrated 45 years.

“We pay 100 percent of our employees’ medical benefits, we offer guardian flight services for free to our

There is a gem of a store hidden in the little town of Twisp, Washington. This store is Hank’s Market, owned and operated by Hank and Judy Conrad. The Conrads have operated this store for many years.

Hank Conrad is a hometown, old-fashioned grocer. He cares deeply about his community and employees. He often can be found working on the sales floor and bagging groceries and helping customers with whatever they need. He cares more about offering his customers the best deal possible on the products he sells.

His motto is, “Make a little profit and you will sell a lot.” In interactions with Conrad, he is always so welcoming and has time for everyone. Whether it’s sitting down and having a cup of coffee to discuss business or tell hunting stories. Every year, he cuts cords of wood, palletizes, wraps and delivers them to people who can’t afford or are

unable to cut wood to heat their homes.

employees [and] we offer a college scholarship to the children of our employees,” the company stated.

Hammer & Wikan donates and helps support local youth activities and many nonprofits. Other efforts include donations for disaster relief.

The neighboring island of Wrangle just had a major landslide, and the grocer sent water and essential food supplies to assist first responders and residents who were displaced from their homes.

Conrad cares deeply about his employees and has employed many generations. In this day and age of corporate-run stores, he is a diamond in the rough. It isn’t always about the bottom line with Conrad, it’s about the customer and the community.

During forest fires in the Twisp area, Conrad has helped direct traffic and supplied firefighters with food and drink. His whole family is part of the day-to-day operations of the store. He also has a wall where he has supported the local FFA by purchasing animals every year from the children.

Conrad is a very modest man who doesn’t seek recognition. There are a lot of things he does for his customers and the community that only he knows about.

Harmon’s Grocery

Harmons Grocery is an upscale supermarket chain located in Utah, with 20 stores throughout the Wasatch Front and in the St. George area.

In 1932, George Reese “Jake” Harmon and his wife, Irene, started a small grocery store called “The Market Spot,” which initially sold fruit and vegetables. The couple lived in small quarters behind the store, which was located at 3300 South and Main streets in Salt Lake County (modern day South Salt Lake). The store soon was selling many other grocery items.

In 1942, after a vehicle collided with the store and caused serious structural damage, the Harmons went on to open a cafe. By 1945, the cafe was sold and a new grocery store, initially called “The Green Store,” opened at 4000 West and 3500 South. This site eventually became the first Harmons Market and is still a Harmons site today, although with a new structure (the original Harmons Market burned in 1971). A new replacement store became the first Harmons supermarket. By 1976, there were two Harmons, and by 1998, there were eight.

Since then, Harmons has more than doubled its locations. Harmons has expanded throughout Utah.

In 2011, it took over a 10,000-square-foot store known as Emigration Market, opening up its first urban location in the Yalecrest neighborhood in Salt Lake City. The average size for a Harmons store had previously been 68,000 square feet. It also expanded into Farmington at the Station Park development.

The company expanded its urban presence in March 2012 with the opening of a new location on the east end of the City Creek Center development in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City.

It continued with another expansion phase in 2016, opening two locations in Santa Clara in southern Utah, as well as in Lehi on the Wasatch Front.

The company opened its 18th store – and third urban location – in mid February 2018 in Holladay, while a 19th location opened in Riverton in mid-2018 as part of a major new mixed-use development.

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Manolo’s Farmers Market

Doug Dallo and his brothers have operated five stores in the San Diego, California, market for over a decade. They’ve been highly successful serving their customers by keeping up with successful operational trends. They provide fresh quality foods to the communities they serve.

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Mega Foods

Mega Foods is the epitome of an exceptional independent. The company is deeply committed to its communities and employees, striving to make a difference in neighborhoods.

That dedication to excellence and drive to stay current and relevant to the customer base is inspirational. Other highlights include:

• Sponsored eight community events over the summer and the benches at the new soccer complex in Woodburn, Oregon.

• Upgraded frozen, dairy and meat cases at both locations.

• New signage throughout the stores.

• Both locations have smart safes and are set up on Pivotal Tools to track sales/ movement.

• Nearly all senior management has been with the company 15-plus years. The company always tries to promote from within.

• Senior management will be attending a one-week college course in 2024, courtesy of Mega Foods.

• Quarterly employee appreciation barbecues and 401(k) match/health benefits.

Mar Val Food Stores

Phyllis Faubion, a longtime customer at the Mar-Val Valley Springs store, remarked that shopping there offers the best of both worlds – supermarket selection, coupled with the charm of a small, country store.

“The people are so friendly,” Faubion said. “They even know your name after you’ve been here for a while.”

Of course, the company knows the importance of customer service, with its motto stating, “Small enough to appreciate you, big enough to serve you.”

In an era where small and medium-sized grocers are disappearing, the Mar-Val brand is a rarity. In 1952, Mardee Kidd teamed with his brother, Val, to open the first Mar-Val store. It was at the corner of Hutchins Street and Kettleman Lane in Lodi, California. The sign from the original store is visible today.

Mar-Val still keeps its corporate offices in Lodi, but its nine markets are located in more sparsely populated rural regions of California. They include Colfax, Escalon, Georgetown, Groveland, Nice, Prather, Valley Springs and Willows.

“We feel we can get in with the community and become a part of it [in smaller areas],” said Mark Kidd, son of the founder and current CEO. “We stay out of the reach of the big city supermarket chains. It’s just too expensive to operate.”

Newport Avenue Market (Rudy’s Market)

Here are a few qualities that make Newport Avenue Market in Bend, Oregon, a great nominee.

Unique ownership and culture

• Employee-owned: Unlike most grocery chains, Newport Avenue is owned by its employees, which fosters a unique atmosphere and commitment to quality.

• Locally focused: With a strong emphasis on sourcing local ingredients and supporting regional farmers, it offers a distinct selection not found in national chains.

• Passionate staff: Many online reviewers highlight the friendly, knowledgeable and passionate staff who go above and beyond to help customers.

North State Grocery

Employee-owned and -operated, the company has 21 stores in northern California and southern Oregon, operating under the banners Holiday Market and Sav Mor Foods. Although some of the stores are in populated areas, the core focus is less densely populated towns.

North State delivers a quality shopping experience and vital food source for the communities it operates in. Equally important, the company offers employees in local areas opportunities for advancement.

Oliver’s Market

Oliver’s Market experienced a memorable year as the company celebrated 35 years serving customers in Sonoma County, California.

Distinctive products and services

• Prepared food options: The deli offers a wide variety of ready-to-go meals, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, exceeding the grab-and-go selections of other stores.

• Made-to-order specialties: From butcher-crafted sandwiches to fresh, hand-rolled sushi, the store provides made-toorder options for a personalized touch.

• Expert knowledge: Employees with expertise in different areas, such as wine and beer pairings or cooking tips.

• Special orders: The store is willing to special order specific items not typically found in major stores.

Community-oriented approach

• Community events: The store hosts various events and workshops, fostering a sense of community and engagement with local producers and food culture.

• Sustainability efforts: A commitment to sustainability through practices such as composting and using eco-friendly packaging sets them apart.

• Local partnerships: Collaboration with local businesses and organizations strengthens the community and offers unique products.

While other stores may offer similar products, Newport Avenue’s combination of employee ownership, local focus, passionate staff, diverse offerings and communityoriented approach creates a distinct shopping experience that many customers appreciate.

It seeks innovative solutions to better serve communities and streamline business operations. These include implementing ECRS’ Accelerated Checkout, which allows shoppers to scan and check out using their mobile phone; digital coupons; self-checkout; employees who provide exceptional customer service; and electronic shelf labels, so staff can execute timely pricing updates.

Its mission guides the business. The company aims to be the finest grocer in Sonoma County and works to offer unsurpassed customer service, quality, range of conventional, natural and specialty offerings and outstanding perimeter departments. It staffs twice as many employees as other grocers, resulting in an unmatched shopping experience.

Oliver’s Market celebrated its anniversary in several ways. First, it honored 25-plus-year employees in a “Hall of Fame” advertisement. It also offered customers special sales, in-store “Meet

Orcas Island Market

Orcas Island Market is a full-service family-owned grocery store on Orcas Island, Washington. It has served the community with quality products, outstanding customer service and inspired progression since 1897.

Today, it is the primary grocery store on Orcas Island, providing a full-serve deli and bakery, meat department with butchers on staff and produce department with a wide-variety of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables.

The company prides itself in offering a unique mix of local products from Orcas Island, the San Juan Islands

the Maker” events and sampling, swag bags and raffles. It held food and pet food drives and partnered with the local paper, The Press Democrat to host a “35 Reasons Why Sonoma County Loves Oliver’s” contest.

Customers were asked to share what they love about shopping at Oliver’s in 15 or fewer words. There were more than 400 entries, each one heartfelt, positive and echoing the market’s mission, which was gratifying for staff.

The top 35 contestants won Oliver’s gift cards and their comments were

and the state of Washington, as well as everything needed for the pantry.

The store was started by Hugh Wooster Templin more than 125 years ago. Over time, the building has moved locations and changed names from Templin’s Fair to Templin’s General Store and Orcas Island Market.

What hasn’t changed is a commitment to hiring the best staff and providing the best-quality products to the community and guests. The staff consists of some 55 year-round employees, plus many local students for summer support.

printed on signage throughout the store. In addition, one entrant won a $350 Oliver’s gift card.

An ultimate measure of how the business is being perceived comes when customers share their sentiments unaided.

Being an independent, locally focused, employee-owned grocer in these times of huge consolidation and increasing competition from traditional and nontraditional sources is indeed a noble calling.

In 1972, Dale Linnes took ownership of Templin’s Store. He carried on the family principles of running a successful business instilled in him by his father, Woodrow “Woody” Linnes. The store’s motto is, “Take care of your employees, maintain a clean store and lead with integrity.”

Rosauers Supermarkets

What sets Spokane, Washingtonbased Rosauers Supermarkets apart from competitors is more than in-store scratch bakeries, informed department specialists and a drive toward quality in everything. It’s how the company strives to serve customers, communities and employees.

When customers shop at Rosauers Supermarkets, they will find a neighborhood market feel with full-service bakery, deli, produce, floral and meat departments alongside offerings of natural, organic, conventional and local products, including local produce, deli, meat, beer and wine.

However, what can’t be found at

competitors is the company’s exceptional employees, who are available to not only tell customers where products are but also walk them there or direct them to an associate to place a special order.

In Rosauers’ market, things such as a 30-year relationship with a local crisis nursery, 20-plus-year relationships with a local food bank distributor and the local United Way show the customers the company’s heart. So does the company’s work with the American Heart Association, support of hundreds of local nonprofits across four states and how employees kept working when record snow collapsed their location’s roof.

What Rosauers Supermarkets loves

Roth’s Fresh Market

Roth’s was founded by Herman C. Jochimsen and Orville N. Roth on Aug. 5, 1962, when they opened their first store in Silverton, Oregon.

Just three years later, Roth’s brand of customer service, cleanliness, product quality and community involvement made possible the opening of the first of five Salem-area stores. A store serving McMinnville was opened in that first decade.

about being an independent is the ability to leverage established partnerships to better serve customers. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it expanded not only the number of online orders at six established stores, but 13 additional stores within three weeks. There was also the time when a local food bank distributor struggled to meet increased demand, Rosauers took further

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Roth’s expansion continued in the 1980s, with stores in Independence and four more in Salem. A relocation and expansion of the McMinnville operation started in 1994, with a new location following in 1996 in Stayton. The company also bought a supermarket in the Hayesville area of Salem in 1998.

Today, Roth’s has nine supermarkets in the mid-Willamette Valley, with a continued focus on customer service.

steps to collect donations from customers (adding a percentage matched by the company) to facilitate gift cards, making sure those in need had access to food.

On the marketing side, the company is proud to be Gonzaga University’s hometown grocery partner. It also has a new partnership with Spiceology to solve the age-old question of “what’s for dinner?”

Rosauers Supermarkets is proud to be a founding Rosie e-commerce retailer, proud to be the first grocer in the area to partner with Upside and to keep innovating e-commerce business with Instacart and DoorDash partnerships.

SPD Markets

The Independent Grocers Alliance has announced Ben Painter, third-generation operator, and Greg Wasley, store manager of SPD Market in Grass Valley, California, as one of its nine 2024 IGA USA Retailers of the Year.

SPD Market in Grass Valley is a local community supermarket and part of a two-store, third-generation-operated group. At its second location that opened in 1981, the store serves customers’ needs with ever-evolving itemization and affordable quality options.

To best meet the community’s needs, SPD Market joined the Independent Grocers Alliance in 1997 and has been a devoted member for 27 years.

Painter and Wasley are community-oriented, introducing a loyalty reward program that gives 3 percent of all purchases back to the community. In addition, customers can

Super Bear Market IGA

Super Bear IGA in Juneau, Alaska, features the best of a supermarket experience with the warm, friendly flavor of a general store. The preferred grocer of the Mendenhall Valley, Super Bear IGA specializes in the groceries families need. Whatever they are looking for can be found at Super Bear IGA.

Locals and tourists alike will find value pricing on the items they purchase most, along with the freshest of produce and local seasonal specialties. There also is a full-service butcher counter with quality, natural meats and locally sourced fish and seafood as the seasons allow.

The Bear is home of the Price Smasher, a sales event with rock bottom prices. Customers can grab a sandwich on the go from the deli, enjoy a pastry from the bakery and brighten up someone’s day with fresh flowers from the floral department. Community driven through donations and food drives, Super Bear is proud to help support and service the Mendenhall Valley and surrounding communities of southeastern Alaska.

choose which charities, nonprofits or schools receive the financial contributions. Since implementation, they have donated more than $1.6 million to the community, specifically to youth programs, food banks, an interfaith food ministry, animal shelters and Little Leagues.

Both Painter and Wasley grew up in the grocery industry and their communities. The long-term connection has allowed them to see young customers grow to employees and into their adult lives.

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TAWA Supermarket

Buena Park, California-based 99 Ranch Market, also known as Tawa Supermarket, was established in 1984 by Roger Chen. As a Taiwanese immigrant, he noticed a cultural gap in the typical American supermarket and saw a need for an Asian supermarket in surrounding communities. He filled that gap and thus, the very first 99 Ranch Market was born.

The company’s slogan, “For 100, we try harder” demonstrates its commitment to always provide the best products and services to the communities it serves. Ranch Market represents freshness and symbolizes the promise to deliver the freshest products.

With the support of loyal customers, hardworking employees and supportive vendors, the company has grown to become one of the largest Asian supermarket chains, with 54 stores across 10 states.

Superior Grocers

Known for its beautiful grocery stores, community pride and customer loyalty, Superior Grocers is one of the largest independently-owned chains in Southern California.

The company’s philosophy is to offer the highest quality products at the lowest prices with exceptional customer service. Shoppers can always count on excellent value, variety and quality.

The company is dedicated to building a community of loyal customers, vendors and staff, where food shopping is fun and the spirit and love of family guide its actions.

Superior takes great pride in the abundant variety of freshly prepared products found in its bakery, meat and seafood departments.

In addition to beautiful, spacious stores filled with fresh foods, Superior also offers other services to support the community, including utility bill payment processing, water vending machines, ATMs and coin counting machines.

Looking toward the future, leadership is determined to take the company to the next level and provide more convenience and value for customers. The company has implemented new technologies and solutions, including online shopping, in-store pickup and same-day delivery services (select stores only). In order to introduce the diversity of Asian food culture, it has launched an “Eat Up” food court at all new store locations.

A vision to present the most unique and popular Asian eateries will be incorporated into future stores. With a new expansion strategy and efforts in a current cross-generational transition, 99 Ranch Market hopes to continue growing its footprint across the country.

The company’s success in the supermarket industry has made it more than just a typical grocery chain store, having become closely associated with Asian American

communities. It strives to give back and enrich lives with various community involvement programs. It takes pride in being the “Gateway to Asia” and providing opportunities for mainstream American families and global customers to experience the authentic flavors of Asia.