Lucky's Market has been featured in the latest edition of AndNowUKnow’s print publication, The Snack Magazine. Peter Gialantzis, Lucky's Vice President of Purchasing and former twelve-year Whole Foods Supply Chain and Product Management Executive, shares how this retro organic grocer continues to grow while keeping its focus on community and 'Good Food for All.'
Check out The Snack article by clicking here, or read the full text below:
Good Food for All
“Good Food for All.” These words are always the first and last you’ll see when you take a journey through this retro up-and-coming organic grocer. Simple, yet sophisticated. It’s a philosophy that’s instilled in every single square inch of the store. From the spacious, colorful produce aisles to the eclectic bakery and deli sections, this independently owned and operated market takes grocery atmosphere to a whole other level. With its 1920s era American art deco aesthetic and evocative décor, you might just think you’ve taken a trip through time. Old-fashioned, down to earth style. Welcome to Lucky’s Market.
Food is the connection that ties everyone together at Lucky’s. If you ask founders and chefs Trish and Bo Sharon, they would have to agree. Their vision was to create a grocery store with a genuine, personal touch that offered quality products at an affordable price. Driven by their passion for food, Trish and Bo opened such a store over ten years ago in Boulder, Colorado. It was only a modest 13,000 square feet, but it was adored by the community. The neighborhood-focused, anti-corporate concept gave shoppers a very comfortable, vintage shopping experience, but it was the fresh local, organic, sustainable, and traditionally crafted foods that kept them coming back for more. The first Lucky’s Market was successful since day one, and Trish and Bo sought to expand their concept further in Longmont, Colorado. Although the store was larger in size at approximately 24,000 square feet, the same spirit and ideology of Trish and Bo’s “good food for all” translated over smoothly.
Peter Gialantzis, Lucky’s Vice President of Purchasing and former twelve-year Whole Foods Supply Chain and Product Management Executive, tells me that the reason the company is so different from other organic grocery stores is that it combines the best of both conventional and premium markets to offer a better value for shoppers.
“We’re looking to compete with the premium markets in terms of quality and merchandising, and to compete with conventional markets on price. We’re the best of both worlds,” he said, making a note of the fact that Lucky’s doesn’t have centralized purchasing and packaging. “Lucky’s is a young, local company. We aspire to grow decade-long partnerships and foster partnerships that are sustainable. We’ve grown quickly, and we will continue to grow quickly.”
"Our food must be presented in an accessible and approachable way."
Indeed, since those first two stores in Colorado, the company has expanded nationally into Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Michigan, and Wyoming, and has continued to see positive reception in each community. People may have different tastes, but Lucky’s is always received in the same exact way no matter which city it’s in. Peter says that the reason Lucky’s is so successful is because it hasn’t had a broad brush approach to expansion. In fact, a lot of its products are sourced from ten miles away. Lucky’s commitment to local suppliers is what allowed the company to grow the way it has so far. Rather than taking a strictly bottom line approach, they look at which neighborhoods need their concept the most and fill those demands and opportunities. Lucky’s isn’t about taking a behemoth, bulldozer approach to expansion. This isn’t a traditional corporate growth strategy.
“It’s just not as fun that way!” he laughs. “We figure it out with our locally grown and sourced program. Our food must be presented in an accessible and approachable way. We don’t want to aspire to change the world through broad initiatives. We want to become part of the community and have a strong and giving presence.”
Lucky’s is about giving people a shopping experience they won’t forget. It’s a place where people can hang out and participate in community activities such as weekly grilling events, but it’s also a place where they can be in and out in five minutes. Although, with such a fun, carnival-esque aesthetic, why would you want to leave in just five minutes? No matter where you go or where you look, Lucky’s always has a fun, eye-catching display or sign that takes you back to a simpler time. The bright, vintage design is ironically what keeps the store fresh and engaging in modern times, and the enthusiastic, artistic approach brings out the best in each store section. The vibrant produce section invites shoppers to a broad, colorful collection of fruits and veggies, while a sign overhead with an orange slice declares, “Squeeze the Day.” The beer bar, Bits & Bites, offers shoppers a place to hang out and take a swig out of Lucky’s beer jugs or sample its house-made potato chips and pretzel bites. Lucky’s deli section boasts house-smoked and house-cured natural meats, all locally sourced, with cheeses and antipasti galore. The bakery provides foodies with “build your own” style pizzas, with cured meats from the store butcher, homemade and hand-tossed dough, veggies from its farmers, and handcrafted sauces. The secret ingredient? Love. Lucky’s wants to be a positive contributor to the community.
"Lucky's friendly, knowledgeable staff is the melting pot of the food industry."
The centerpiece of every Lucky’s store is always fresh produce. Everything in terms of store design and advertisements revolves around produce.
“We have a higher percentage of produce sales than any other company that I am aware of,” says Peter. “Produce drives our decision making process. It starts with produce, and everything else follows suit.”
Lucky’s friendly, knowledgeable staff is the melting pot of the food industry. It’s a very diverse group, with a staff that comes from conventional markets, chef backgrounds, and of course, farming backgrounds.
“We challenged ourselves to strip out anything that isn’t necessary,” Peter continued. “We only wanted things that mattered to people. We have great expertise in our produce buying team; we know how and where to find the best product at the best costs… but what matters most is that customers can trust our quality 365 days a year, and we’re meeting or beating the conventional chains on price seven days a week. There’s no reason why anyone wouldn’t want to shop with us.”
Looking ahead, Lucky’s anticipates opening at least ten stores over the next year, covering a very wide part of the country. There’s a big opportunity for new players to enter the market, and Lucky’s is looking for communities that yearn for good food at good prices. That means a strict commitment to keeping products local.
Simple and fresh, with strong passion for good, local food. That is Lucky’s in a nutshell. It’s the unrelenting commitment to quality food, quality service, and quality relationships with its suppliers and shoppers that makes Lucky’s so lucky.
Good food for all? I agree.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – There is no end in sight for immigration reform as President Obama has delayed executive action on the issue until after the November midterm elections.
“When I take executive action, I want to make sure that it’s sustainable,” Obama said in a clip from NBC’s “Meet the Press” last week. “What I’m saying is that I’m going to act because it’s the right thing for the country. But it’s going to be more sustainable and more effective if the public understands what the facts are on immigration.”
This is a reversal of a promise that Obama made in June saying that he would use his executive power this summer to change the nation’s immigration system after a year long effort to enact compromise legislation failed.
The New York Times quotes a White House official as saying, “Because of the Republicans’ extreme politicization of this issue, the president believes it would be harmful to the policy itself and to the long-term prospects for comprehensive immigration reform to announce administrative action before the elections.
Immigration activists are upset over the delay that Republicans are calling a purely political move.
"Instead of doing what’s right for the economy, farm workers and the country, he broke his promise to the millions of immigrants and Latinos who are looking for him to lead on this issue in the wake of Republicans’ dysfunction and obstruction," Arturo Rodriguez, President of the United Farm Workers of America, told The Hill.
The Washington Post reports that though Obama rejected criticism that the postponement was a political move to help embattled Democrats in the midterms, several Democrats have publicly called on Obama to delay or abandon his executive action plans over the last several weeks.
In a statement, the White House vowed that Obama will act before the end of the year.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to cover this complex and important issue.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – As part of her initiative to educate consumers on where their fresh produce comes from, Lori Taylor, The Produce Mom, took a tour of Tanimura & Antle's growing, harvesting, and Field-Packed for Freshness® operations in California’s Salinas Valley.
"It was a pleasure to have The Produce Mom visit our Tanimura & Antle family farms,” said Tanimura & Antle Regional Sales Manager, Caitlin Antle. “We love having influential people immerse themselves into our company culture as part of the 'T&A Academy,’ and witness our hard working, dedicated and passionate employees that deliver premium quality vegetables to consumers’ plates year round. Shoppers are more aware than ever of what embodies the product that they are buying at their neighborhood grocery store. The Produce Mom helps to bridge the communication gap between America's fresh produce farmers and consumers."
“We pack our produce right in the field using a special bag and sealing process that keeps our whole-leaf products fresh with minimal handling,” said Brian Antle, Lettuce Production Manager. During her tour, Lori was able to view these operations first hand in addition to much more.
Check out this video for a closer look at Lori's tour of Tanimura & Antle:
"I love sharing recipes and information about Tanimura & Antle’s terrific products. During my visit, I learned so many amazing facts about their field-packing operation and dedication to traceability," Lori shared in a press release. “The goal of The Produce Mom is to help people learn how to select, store and serve more fruits and veggies. After touring the Tanimura & Antle family farm, I’m even more confident consumers will have a positive experience with their products. Tanimura & Antle vegetables have been taken care of from seed to the grocery store shelf. Their operation and culture is truly impressive.”
Having worked with Tanimura & Antle closely over the years, this is certainly a statement I would agree with. It's great to see these two come together to raise awareness about the great things going on at the company.
VENTURA, CA – LINKFRESH has announced the appointment of Bob Mann as its new Chairman of the Board.
“I am very excited about joining the board of LINKFRESH at a time when the fresh food industry is going through enormous challenges and change,” said Bob Mann. “LINKFRESH has developed an exceptional ERP solution that directly meets the needs of this global industry. I am thrilled to be able to share and apply my knowledge of the software industry to guide LINKFRESH to reach its goals for growth, international business development and product advancement.”
Robert Frost, Group CEO for LINKFRESH, followed up this statement by saying, “I am looking forward to working with Bob to lead our management team and colleagues at LINKFRESH to realize the company’s growth plans and to develop our international operations. Bob’s knowledge of the software industry in Europe and North America will be an invaluable aid to the execution of our business strategy.”
According to a press release, Bob Mann has 25 years of experience as a senior manager in the high tech and software industires. Before joining LINKFRESH, he was in charge of European operations at Siebel Systems in additon to holding board positions with companies in the portfolios of 3i, Advent Ventures, Amadeus Capital, Alliance Trust and Scottish Equity Partners.
Bob Mann is also currently serving as the Chairman of Openbravo and RelayWare Inc.
Congratultions on the new position, Bob Mann!
DALLAS, TX – Through a new partnership with Ro*Tel®, a ConAgra Foods brand, Avocados from Mexico has announced its “Hungry for Football” promotion just in time for the exciting start of the NFL season. Avocados from Mexico (AFM) will be supporting its retail partners with contests, consumer savings initiatives, social media campaigns, and an exciting AFM branded television campaign beginning in October 2014 to run against fall football programming.
“We’re excited about the return of football, and looking forward to providing fans with a delicious, versatile product to enjoy throughout the season,” said Maggie Bezart, Vice President of Trade and Promotions for AFM.
As a football fan myself, avocado themed dishes like guacamole have long been a staple of my fall season. I think that its great that AFM is taking that extra step to connect with the football fans who make its produce part of their weekend festivities.
Consumers can enter AFM's mobile sweepstakes to win gift cards for groceries, and other savings such as a “buy three Avocados from Mexico and get one can of Ro*Tel® diced tomatoes free” deal. There will also be instant-savings tearpads available at select retailers and text-to-save mobile coupons.
According to a press release, AFM will also be supporting retailers with a fun display contest, in which creativity will be rewarded with big prizes. AFM says that every valid entry will at least win a $25 gift card, giving retailers just one more reason to send in their ideas.
Finally, AFM will be providing retailers with unique signage and produce pins to help craft the most creative and eye-catching displays in produce aisles.
With Monday night football to look forward to, the only thing football fans like me need now is a bag of chips for the perfect night.
OVIEDO, FL – Duda Farm Fresh Foods is joining Peanut Butter & Co. to celebrate the first ever National Ants on a Log Day on Tuesday, September 9.
Duda, the largest grower and processor of celery in the United States and around the world, is paying tribute to the creamy and crunchy snack with recipes, a Twitter party on September 10, Facebook giveaways and an Instagram contest.
“We will share ways to stay traditional with peanut butter and raisins, or mix it up with chocolate peanut butter and pistachios, and just about any other combination you can think of,” said Nichole Towell, Director of Marketing. “This holiday is timed perfectly with back to school, and by using social media tools we can engage in a fun, fresh way with kids and adults alike.”
Duda and Peanut Butter & Co. applied for the day to be registered, and it was granted, according to a press release. Going forward, the registrar of the National Day Calendar has designated the second Tuesday of September of each year as National Ants on a Log Day to recognize this healthy food snack.
Ants on a log, named in the 1950s, is made by spreading peanut butter across celery and placing raisins on top. The McKinley Healthy Center at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has recommended it as a healthy snack.
On Instagram, celery lovers are invited to post their favorite #AntsOnaLog snack to #entertowin Peanut Butter from @PeanutButterCo and coupons for #free Dandy Celery. To enter the contest, tag @DandyFreshProduce and @PeanutButterCo and use #AntsOnaLogDay in a post.
Make sure to check out Duda Farm Fresh Foods at booth #2430 at the PMA Fresh Summit in Anaheim.
CHARLOTTE, NC – Chiquita Brands International, Inc. has postponed its Special Meeting of Shareholders in order to allow time for more beneficial offers. The meeting, originally scheduled for September 17 where shareholders were going to vote on the proposed merger with Fyffes, will now be held on October 3, 2014.
Fyffes has granted Chiquita a waiver that permits it to engage in discussions with the Cutrale Group and the Safra Group, according to a press release. Chiquita stated that it has sent a letter to Cutrale/Safra indicating its willingness to offer them the opportunity to conduct focused due diligence and present its final and best offer.
This is a reversal of a letter sent from Chiquita to Cutrale/Safra last month that stated, “After careful consultation with our legal and financial advisors, our Board of Directors has unanimously concluded that the Cutrale Group and the Safra Group's offer of $13.00 per share is inadequate and not in the best interests of Chiquita shareholders. Having made such a determination, Chiquita has determined not to furnish information to, and have discussions and negotiations with, the Cutrale Group and the Safra Group at this time. The Board continues to strongly believe in the strategic merits and value provided by the proposed transaction with Fyffes.”
The New York Times reports that this reversal comes only two days after two influential shareholder advisory services recommended that investors vote against the Fyffes deal and suggested that Chiquita entertained the unexpected offer from Cutrale/Safra.
For now, Chiquita says in a release that it does not expect to update the market with any further information “unless and until the Board has reached a decision on a definitive course of action. In the interim, Chiquita continues to recommend that its shareholders vote “FOR” the Fyffes transaction and the other proposals on the WHITE proxy card.”
For more information on the Chiquita and Fyffes merger and Cutrale/Safra’s offer, check out our previous articles by clicking here and here.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to follow this merger and any potential takeover offers.
WENATCHEE, WA - Stemilt has been awarded the license to grow, pack, and market a new, early to ripen apple cultivar by the University of Minnesota. This new cultivar, currently known as MN55, will be the first variety to harvest in Washington State and go to market come 2017.
MN55 is a cross between Honeycrisp and an unreleased variety labeled as AA44, or sometimes known as MonArk. The new cultivar has exceptional flavors, color, and fracture, according to a press release.
“We have a small block of trees that will produce small volumes of fruit come 2017, and a larger planting that will increase volumes for 2018 and beyond. We are thrilled at the prospect of having a high dessert quality apple that will reinvent the month of August for the apple category,” said Roger Pepperl, Marketing Director for Stemilt. “MN55 is very juicy and sweet and holds excellent pressures. These are unusual qualities for such an early apple to possess, and the exact qualities that consumers have come to love in an apple.”
In the coming months, Stemilt and the University of Minnesota will work in conjunction to develop a new trademark name for the apple.
“It’s going to be fun to name an apple that will have so much appeal to the marketplace,” continued Pepperl. “It will be a signal for an early coming to the apple season, and hold a great position in back-to-school promotions in order to boost the apple category during a time of year that has previously gone untapped.”
MN55 has a rich 17 year history that includes 5-6 years of rigorous testing across multiple locations in the U.S. David Bedford, research scientist for the University of Minnesota apple breeding program, commented that MN55 “represents our goal of developing new apple varieties that will give the consumer a memorable eating experience.”
This new cultivar is sure to be a real winner among consumers thanks to its unique character. With a similar, yet more defined flavor as Honeycrisp, and AA44’s characteristic to ripen early, yet color well, this is one apple cultivar I’m definitely looking forward to.
AUSTIN, TX - Whole Foods Market and Instacart have launched a new phase in their partnership and will now be collaborating to offer Whole Foods shoppers new convenient in-store pickup options. While Instacart and Whole Foods have had a longstanding partnership for Instacart's one-hour delivery service, according to Fortune, now Instacart shoppers will be embedded in Whole Foods stores, meaning a faster, more streamlined service for online shoppers.
"Instacart makes it extremely easy for our customers to buy Whole Foods Market products from 15 cities and have them quickly delivered—whether buying fresh ingredients for dinner tonight or sending healthy foods to loved ones in another city,” said Walter Robb, Co-CEO of Whole Foods Market. “We are thrilled to add this additional convenience for our customers.”
“Instacart and Whole Foods Market are two companies that share a common vision to create great grocery shopping experiences,” said Apoorva Mehta, CEO and Founder of Instacart. “Whole Foods Market is our most requested shopping destination, and we’re happy to be working together to create a seamless, quick option for customers with busy lifestyles.”
According to a press release, Whole Foods will be testing this new service at select Austin and Boston stores over the next month, before launching the program nationwide. Currently, Instacart offers Whole Foods shoppers its delivery services at all of its 15 locations in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Boulder, Colorado, Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, Oregon, San Francisco, San Jose, California, Seattle, and Washington, D.C.
To learn more about Whole Foods and Instacart's delivery options check out this great video:
In order to celebrate this new expansion of their partnership, Whole Foods and Instacart have announced a new contest in which Instacart users can vie for the chance to win free groceries for an entire year. The companies will be including hidden game pieces in Instacart delivery bags starting September 12th, with five chances to win. For more full contest rules and details check out Whole Food's website here.
Congratulations to Whole Foods and Instacart for this exciting new phase in their partnership!
CINCINNATI, OH – Kroger will be hiring 20,000 employees to fill a variety of positions in its nationwide chain of stores, according to a press release.
"Kroger's growth trajectory creates more job opportunities for current and future employees," said Katy Barclay, Kroger's Senior Vice President of Human Resources. "Right now in our stores across the country we have openings for bright, hard-working associates who are passionate about making a difference for customers every day."
According to Wall Street Journal, this announcement comes at a time when the company is looking to accelerate its expansion as part of its strategy announced in 2012.
The decision also comes in stark contrast to a report issued by the U.S. Labor Department, showing that U.S. job growth had slowed to its lowest level of the year this August and a weak consumer spending market. Kroger has seemed immune to these economic trends, posting stronger-than-expected sales and profit figures for in 2014 and a 30% rise in its stock price.
It is from this position of strength in the industry that Kroger is able to announce a hiring plan of this magnitude.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for any future updates on Kroger and its operations.