Newsroom

ST. CLOUD, MN – Coborn’s, Inc. is delighted to announce the opening of Erbert & Gerbert’s at the Princeton store located at 1100 7th Avenue. The sandwich and soup restaurant offers guests convenient, fresh, and delicious food options and features dine-in, pick-up, and drive-thru services.

“Erbert & Gerbert’s offers a variety of fresh and flavorful menu items including tasty sandwiches and soups, plus, delicious macaroni and cheese and chill,” said Andrew Hamilton, Store Director of Coborn’s in Princeton. “We are excited to bring these new lunch and dinner options for our guests to enjoy a hot sandwich and hearty soup from the convenience of our Princeton Coborn’s location.”

Besides satisfying meal options, this new location offers convenience. It’s one of the first to be designed with Erbert & Gerbert’s new look and layout that is clean, modern, and bright, but, most importantly, it features a convenient drivethru. Guests also have the convenience of placing an order using the Erbert & Gerbert’s app, Erbert & Gerbert’s website, or by stopping in the Princeton Coborn’s.

“This new location represents the future of the Erbert & Gerbert’s brand focusing on Out of this World sandwiches, soups, and service,” said Jacob Kersting, Erbert & Gerbert’s Director of Marketing.

The menu features cold and hot sandwiches, soups, and kid’s meals, along with sides, drinks, and desserts. Erbert & Gerbert’s bread is baked daily, coupled with freshly cut vegetables and deli meats. The perfect choice for guests looking for a craveable, convenient, and quick food option.

St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s, Inc. is a 102-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 10,000 employees and 77 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods, Hornbacher’s, Tadych’s Marketplace Foods and Sullivan’s Foods banners. Coborn’s, Inc. also operates fuel, liquor and pharmacy locations. To support its 200 various retail business units, Coborn’s, Inc. operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center. In 2021, Coborn’s, Inc. was named the Shelby Report’s Midwest Retailer of the Year. In 2023, the company was recognized by Progressive Grocer Magazine as one of the Top 10 Regional Grocers in the U.S.

Family-founded in 1988 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop delivers Out of this World® taste that results in millions of happy customers. Grown to nearly 80 locations in 8 states across the Midwest and a rapidly expanding footprint, our business model has successfully built corporate and franchise stores focusing on traditional and non-traditional sites while always putting a high value on passion, people, and play. If you are always pushing to go from good to great and like to work hard so you can play hard, join our franchise family and visit www.erbertandgerberts.com.

ST. CLOUD, MN – Cash Wise Foods is delighted to announce the opening of Godfather’s Pizza Express at the Willmar store located at 1300 5th Street SE. The restaurant offers guests a convenient, fresh, and delicious meal option and offers both dine-in and pick-up services.

“Godfather’s Pizza has an incredible and long-standing reputation of serving high-quality pizzas and products,” said Dennis Host, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications of Coborn’s, Inc. “We’re excited to offer Godfather’s signature menu items for our guests to enjoy a hot, fresh and savory pizza from the convenience of our Willmar Cash Wise Foods location.”

This is the company’s first partnership with Godfather’s Pizza.

“The team at Coborn’s (Cash Wise’s parent company), is interested in providing fresh food and high-quality offerings that contribute to the overall success of Godfather’s Pizza Express,” says Kathy Johnson, SVP of Franchise Services. “We are happy to add to Cash Wise’s unique shopping experience and plan to exceed expectations for our new guests.”

Guests can choose from eight core Godfather’s Pizza specialty pizzas in mini and large sizes, including the signature Classic Combo pizza and the famous Taco Pie. Pizzas are served on Godfather’s Pizza Golden Crust, a buttery pan-style pizza. Guests can also order wings, breadsticks or cheesesticks, and pizza rolls and choose from two delicious desserts.

Orders can be placed online at www.godfathers.com, by phone at 320-295-7019, or by stopping in the Willmar Cash Wise.

St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s, Inc. is a 102-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 10,000 employees and 77 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods, Hornbacher’s, Tadych’s Marketplace Foods and Sullivan’s Foods banners. Coborn’s, Inc. also operates fuel, liquor and pharmacy locations. To support its 200 various retail business units, Coborn’s, Inc. operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center. In 2021, Coborn’s, Inc. was named the Shelby Report’s Midwest Retailer of the Year. In 2023, the company was recognized by Progressive Grocer Magazine as one of the Top 10 Regional Grocers in the U.S.

After 50 years of creating and making pizzas, Godfather’s Pizza, Inc. knows what it takes to make an unforgettable pizza. Founded in 1973, the family-operated franchise’s mission has remained unchanged—to serve a more delicious and abundantly-topped pizza than any other in the country. The QSR concept has expanded to more than 610 locations in more than 39 states, ranging from traditional dine-in restaurants to express outlets such as airports, convenience stores and college campuses. The heritage of serving the best pizza around that built this company continues today. For more information, visit www.Godfathers.com. Follow Godfather’s Pizza on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/GodfathersPizza), Twitter (www.Twitter.com/GodfathersPizza) and Instagram (www.Instagram.com/GodfathersPizza).

ST. CLOUD, MN – Coborn’s, Inc., the parent company of Cash Wise Foods, is excited to announce changes coming to the Jamestown location. The grocery store’s new format includes the addition of a fuel center and Caribou Coffee, enhancements to fresh and liquor departments, and exterior updates to better serve its guests.

“As consumer needs change, we are proud to invest in this store and in the Jamestown community,” said Dennis Host, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications. “We are excited to bring a fuel center and Caribou Coffee to this location as well as remodel several departments. This updated store design and new offerings will provide this community the freshest products with the friendliest service and improve the shopping experience for our guests.”

Construction has begun on the new fuel center which adds convenience for guests as well as allows them to take advantage of the new MORE Fuel Rewards program. Guests can save $0.10 per gallon for every $100 spent on groceries. These rewards will be redeemable at the fuel center once it’s complete.

Plans also include a new in-store Caribou Coffee with seating. Guests can enjoy a warm or cool beverage while shopping or grab a muffin or sandwich to go. The liquor department will be expanded to offer shoppers a larger selection. The fresh departments including produce, meat, dairy, and deli, will be updated to focus on fresh and enhance the customer’s shopping experience. The exterior will be updated too, and the existing parking lot will be replaced.

The store will remain open during construction which is expected to continue through 2023. A public grand re-opening celebration will be planned for 2024.

St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s, Inc. is a 102-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 10,000 employees and 77 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods, Hornbacher’s, Tadych’s Marketplace Foods and Sullivan’s Foods banners. Coborn’s, Inc. also operates fuel, liquor and pharmacy locations. To support its 200 various retail business units, Coborn’s, Inc. operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center. In 2021, Coborn’s, Inc. was named the Shelby Report’s Midwest Retailer of the Year. In 2023, the company was recognized by Progressive Grocer Magazine as one of the Top 10 Regional Grocers in the U.S.

ST. CLOUD, MN – Coborn’s, Inc. is excited to announce a new partnership with local and family-operated House of Pizza. Guests can now pick up their favorite House of Pizza frozen pizza from local Coborn’s and Cash Wise Foods grocery stores.

“The House of Pizza has a long, storied history in central Minnesota with a highly acclaimed recipe for amazing pizza and business success,” said Dennis Host, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Coborn’s, Inc. “We’re excited to bring some of their most popular pizza flavors to our shelves for our customers to enjoy a high-quality heat-and-serve frozen House of Pizza pizza.”

House of Pizza has two locations including in west St. Cloud and Sartell. They offer both dine-in and carry-out services. This will be House of Pizza’s first expansion into retail.

“We took our time to perfect the process. For the first six months, we only sold the pizzas in our stores as grab-and-go options. They were a big hit so we knew the excitement would carry over to our local grocer,” said Brandon Testa, owner of House of Pizza. “Coborn’s was the perfect retail option to partner with locally for availability and additional growth with outlying markets where their stores are located, and we are excited to see how this local partnership can continue to grow.”

Guests can choose House of Pizza classics like Pepperoni and Italian Sausage or pile on the toppings with the regulars’ favorite, House Deluxe and Meat at the House. A gluten-free option with cauliflower crust is also available. No matter the choice, all the pizzas are made with House of Pizza’s famous original recipe and only the freshest and highest-quality ingredients.

House of Pizza frozen pizzas are now available at Coborn’s on Cooper Avenue in St. Cloud, on Pine Cone Road in Sartell, and in Sauk Rapids as well as Cash Wise Foods in Waite Park and east St. Cloud.

St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s, Inc. is a 102-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 10,000 employees and 77 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods, Hornbacher’s, Tadych’s Marketplace Foods and Sullivan’s Foods banners. Coborn’s, Inc. also operates fuel, liquor and pharmacy locations. To support its 200 various retail business units, Coborn’s, Inc. operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center. In 2021, Coborn’s, Inc. was named the Shelby Report’s Midwest Retailer of the Year. In 2023, the company was recognized by Progressive Grocer Magazine as one of the Top 10 Regional Grocers in the U.S.

ST. CLOUD, MN – Coborn’s, Inc. President and COO, Dave Meyer, has announced his retirement effective Dec. 31.

“Dave has been an instrumental force and leader that has brought Coborn’s, Inc. to the next level,” said Chris Coborn, Coborn’s, Inc. Chairman and CEO. “He has always delivered a strong and strategic vision to our organization and has played a vital role in implementing high-level operational standards, people development, and our brand promise vision, as well as being a tremendous steward of our company culture. It’s these qualities that have made Dave an invaluable leader for Coborn’s.”

Dave Meyer joined Coborn’s in 1985 as an evening shift manager in Mason City, IA. He excelled in a variety of positions throughout his career serving as a store manager, deli buyer and supervisor, district manager, vice president of operations, senior vice president of operations with oversight for store ops, merchandising, marketing, and human resources, executive vice president and then to president and chief operating officer, his role since January 2021. Dave will continue to support the company as a member of Coborn’s, Inc. Board of Directors following his retirement.

Effective today, David Best will be joining the company as Chief Operating Officer and as a member of the Coborn’s, Inc. Board of Directors. Upon Dave Meyer’s retirement at the end of 2023, David Best will assume the role of President and COO.

David Best joins Coborn’s from General Mills where he served as the Head of Omnichannel for North America. There, he led an extensive transformation of the e-commerce business with over $1 billion in growth, market share growth, and improved profitability. Prior to General Mills, Mr. Best spent 19 years at Target holding positions in merchandising, supply chain, and business development. He earned an economics degree from Carleton College and an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.

“The unparalleled experience that David brings to Coborn’s will have a notable impact on our organization,” Coborn commented. “I look forward to working with him and the things we’ll accomplish to enhance our guests’ shopping experience, company growth, and in serving the communities where we operate.”

St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s, Inc. is a 102-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 10,000 employees and 77 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods, Hornbacher’s, Tadych’s Marketplace Foods and Sullivan’s Foods banners. Coborn’s, Inc. also operates fuel, liquor and pharmacy locations. To support its 200 various retail business units, Coborn’s, Inc. operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center. In 2021, Coborn’s, Inc. was named the Shelby Report’s Midwest Retailer of the Year. In 2023, the company was recognized by Progressive Grocer Magazine as one of the Top 10 Regional Grocers in the U.S.

ST. CLOUD, MN – Coborn’s, Inc. has announced it has signed a purchase agreement to acquire the Sullivan’s Foods grocery stores (and several other retail business units), in northern and central Illinois, the company’s first expansion into that state. The stores are operated by the Sullivan family and operate under the Sullivan’s Foods banner. The Sullivan’s locations in the acquisition include:

• Sullivan’s Foods Freeport, 2002 W Galena Avenue, Freeport, IL
• Sullivan’s Foods Kewanee, 605 Tenney St, Kewanee, IL
• Sullivan’s Foods Lena, 201 Dodds Drive, Lena, IL
• Sullivan’s Foods Marengo, 202 Lindow Lane, Marengo, IL
• Sullivan’s Foods Mendota, 1102 Meriden St, Mendota, IL
• Sullivan’s Foods Morrison, 300 N Madison St, Morrison, IL
• Sullivan’s Foods Princeton, 125 E Backbone Rd, Princeton, IL
• Sullivan’s Foods Mt Morris, 101 E Hwy 64, Mt Morris, IL
• Sullivan’s Foods Savanna, 217 Chicago Ave, Savanna, IL
• Sullivan’s Foods Stockton, 103 W North Ave, Stockton, IL
• Sullivan’s Foods Winnebago, 703 N Elida St, Winnebago, IL
• JB Sullivan, Inc (corporate office facility), 425 First St, Savanna, IL
• Sullivan’s Foods Warehouse, 8 Murray St, Savanna, IL
• Sullivan’s Ace Hardware, 1116 Meriden St, Mendota, IL
• Sullivan’s Home and Hardware, 108 Main St, Savanna, IL
• Sullivan’s Ace Hardware Winnebago, 707 N Elida St, Winnebago, IL
• Savanna Station (c-store), 1230 Chicago Ave, Savanna, IL

“The Sullivan family has run their family of stores with great care and is a highly respected retailer,” said Chris Coborn, Chairman and CEO of Coborn’s, Inc. “We look forward to extending the same operating philosophies in these locations that have made us successful for 102 years – investing and training for our people, supporting our communities and investing in our stores to improve the experience for our guests. We look forward to having the entire Sullivan’s team join our team to learn more about their operations and communities.”

“This is our first entry into the state of Illinois, so we have some things to learn, some added distance to figure out and to onboard their team into our organization,” Chris Coborn added. Approximately 800 people work in the organization, which is comprised of 11 grocery stores, a convenience store/fuel center, three ACE Hardware stores, a central office and limited-assortment warehouse. All employees will be hired by Coborn’s, Inc. The stores will continue to operate under the Sullivan’s Foods name.”

Sullivan’s Foods is a family owned and operated grocery retail business that was started in 1967 by John and June Sullivan. While serving in the Army, John took a part-time job as a meat cutter. After his military service, John and June returned for a short time to John’s hometown, Stockton, IL where he became a full-time meat cutter. Then they moved to Platteville, WI, where John worked for another grocery store.

During his seven years in Platteville, he learned more about the meat cutting trade and other valuable tools for success. Most significant was how important it is to be fair to your employees, vendors\ and guests. In September 1967, John and June moved to Savanna, IL and purchased their own grocery store. For a short time, he had a business partner, eventually buying his partner out and building a new store. With the success of this location, they expanded their business in 1973 with an additional store located in John’s hometown, Stockton, Illinois. To keep up with the ever-growing market, John and June ventured out and purchased two more locations in 1978, and then in 1980, purchased another two locations. Today, Sullivan’s Foods operates 11 locations in northern and central Illinois. Their six children have all been involved in some way with the business.

Guest satisfaction has always been a core value of the company and John has always operated with that as a high priority that is instilled in all the stores today. Sullivan’s Foods is supplied by Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) as their lead wholesaler, giving the company a competitive advantage. They will continue this relationship with AWG.

“This sale makes perfect sense for our family and for our employees,” said Susie Dauphin, Secretary and Property Manager of Sullivan’s Foods. “Coborn’s has long been a highly respected company and our family felt perfectly aligned with their values, operational standards, support of the communities they operate in and most importantly the company culture and commitment to their employees,” she added. “We are grateful to all our guests and employees who have helped us build our business over the past five decades. I know our communities and employees are in good hands as we make this transition.”

The transaction is currently expected to close in early May, subject to customary closing conditions. With this acquisition, Coborn’s, Inc.’s portfolio of grocery stores will expand to 77 locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, South Dakota, North Dakota, Michigan, and Illinois. The company operates approximately 135 business units, including grocery stores, retail liquor stores, fuel centers, pharmacies, and franchised restaurant businesses.

St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s, Inc. is a 102-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 10,000 employees and 77 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods, Hornbacher’s, Tadych’s Marketplace Foods and Sullivan’s Foods banners. Coborn’s, Inc. also operates fuel, liquor and pharmacy locations. To support its 200 various retail business units, Coborn’s, Inc. operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center. In 2021, Coborn’s, Inc. was named the Shelby Report’s Midwest Retailer of the Year. In 2023, the company was recognized by Progressive Grocer Magazine as one of the Top 10 Regional Grocers in the U.S.

ST. CLOUD, MN – Coborn’s, Inc, the parent company of Coborn’s, Cash Wise and Marketplace Foods locations operating in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota, today announced that it will now accept Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (SNAP) payments online for same-day delivery via Instacart. With this program, EBT SNAP participants will now be able to use their benefits to access fresh food and pantry staples from Coborn’s, Cash Wise and Marketplace Foods when shopping via the Instacart website and mobile app.

This launch follows the United States Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service’s most recent approval of Coborn’s, Cash Wise and Marketplace Foods locations to accept EBT SNAP payments online in the locations where Instacart is available. With transportation often serving as a barrier to the grocery store, the grocery locations and Instacart hope to make accessing food easier for customers.

“Bringing food access and fresh food options to our guests has always been a top priority for us, and we are thrilled to finally offer this long-awaited enhancement in collaboration with Instacart,” said Dennis Host, Senior Vice President/Marketing and Communications for Coborn’s, Inc. “We are always looking for ways to offer our guests a quality online shopping experience, and the opportunity to offer EBT SNAP payment options online removes transportation barriers that many families in our communities are faced with. This will allow them greater access to fresh food faster.”

For more information about EBT SNAP on Instacart, visit: www.instacart.com/ebt-snap.

Where available, EBT SNAP participants will now be able to shop from any participating Coborn’s, Cash Wise or Marketplace Foods store via the Instacart website and mobile app. Once the customer selects their preferred store, an Instacart customer profile is created where they can enter their EBT food card information as a form of payment in their profile. Customers will need a secondary form of payment for non-food items such as taxes, tips, and fees per federal SNAP guidelines. Once items are added to their cart, customers will be able to select how much of their benefits they would like to allocate to the order. Orders for delivery and pickup can be placed by customers for receipt in as fast as an hour or scheduled several days in advance. Delivery fees will be waived on the first three EBT SNAP orders for customers using a valid EBT card associated with their Instacart account.

St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s, Inc. is a 102-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 10,000 employees and 66 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods, Hornbacher’s and Tadych’s Marketplace Foods banners. Coborn’s, Inc. also operates fuel, liquor and pharmacy locations. To support its 200 various retail business units, Coborn’s, Inc. operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center. In 2021, Coborn’s, Inc. was named the Shelby Report’s Midwest Retailer of the Year. In 2023, the company was recognized by Progressive Grocer Magazine as one of the Top 10 Regional Grocers in the U.S.

RICE LAKE, WI-Marketplace Foods was recently awarded a Certificate of Congratulations from Wisconsin’s Office of the Governor. The 2022 Exemplary Employer Award recognized the Rice Lake location for its employment practices that empowers individuals with disabilities and its contribution to Wisconsin’s diverse and inclusive workforce.

“Marketplace Foods remains committed to fostering a work culture that promotes the enrichment of those with disabilities,” said Store Director Todd Brunner. “We are honored to be receiving this award and acknowledge the efforts of the entire team creating an environment which promotes opportunity.”

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month and Coborn’s, Inc. is proud to have employment practices in place creating occupations that are inclusive to all. Chris Coborn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) recently joined the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion; a partnership of more than 2,200 CEOs pledging to cultivate a trusting environment where all ideas are welcomed, and employees feel comfortable and empowered to have discussions about diversity and inclusion.

St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s, Inc. is a 101-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 10,000 employees and 66 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods, Hornbacher’s and Tadych’s Marketplace Foods banners. Coborn’s, Inc. also operates fuel, liquor and pharmacy locations. To support its 200 various retail business units, Coborn’s, Inc. operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center. In 2021, Coborn’s, Inc. was named the Shelby Report’s Midwest Retailer of the Year.

St. Cloud, MN, – Employee-owned Coborn’s, Inc, announced today that Chris Coborn, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), has joined the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ coalition. The organization is the largest CEO-driven business commitment to drive measurable action and meaningful change in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.

In signing this commitment, Coborn’s, Inc. joins a partnership of more than 2,200 CEOs pledging to cultivate a trusting environment where all ideas are welcomed, and employees feel comfortable and empowered to have discussions about diversity and inclusion.

Coborn’s, Inc.’s Talent, Culture, & Human Resources Manager, Austin Vogler, introduced the pledge as part of the company’s Diversity & Inclusion Action Plan that was presented to store directors, senior company leadership, and members of the Board of Directors at the company’s recent strategic planning retreat.

“While our company’s Core Value of Dignity & Respect sets the expectation for an inclusive culture, our communities, guests, and most importantly our employees, want and need to see, hear, and feel our Brand Promise of being the Greatest Place to Work,” said Vogler. “Joining the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion coalition provides us with the opportunity to share with and learn from other organizations who are at various stages in their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion journey and this pledge itself complements our plans for future work in this area.”

As a signatory of the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™, Coborn’s is dedicated to working collaboratively to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace through conversation, engagement, and collaboration among organizations. To learn more about this pledge, visit https://www.ceoaction.com/pledge/ceo-pledge/

St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s, Inc. is a 101-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 10,000 employees and 66 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods, Hornbacher’s and Tadych’s Marketplace Foods banners. Coborn’s, Inc. also operates fuel, liquor and pharmacy locations. To support its 200 various retail business units, Coborn’s, Inc. operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center. In 2021, Coborn’s, Inc. was named the Shelby Report’s Midwest Retailer of the Year.

KANSAS CITY, KS, and ST. CLOUD, MN, July 16, 2021 – Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) and Coborn’s, Inc. (Coborn’s) announced they have reached an agreement for AWG to serve as the primary wholesale supplier to Coborn’s. Based in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Coborn’s is a 100-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 9,300 employees and 59 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin operating under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods, and Hornbacher’s banners.

AWG will commence supply of grocery products to the Coborn’s stores in January 2022 from AWG’s new Upper Midwest Division in St Cloud, Minnesota situated in the former Creative Memories warehouse facility located in St. Cloud’s I-94 Business Park at Opportunity Drive and I-94. Fresh and frozen products will temporarily ship from AWG’s Nebraska and Great Lakes Divisions.

Later in 2022, AWG will complete a new fresh and frozen warehouse at a location still to be determined. Once completed, these warehouses will provide more than 650,000 square feet of warehouse space and accommodate the full-line distribution of products to Coborn’s and other AWG member stores in the region. Additionally, once a site is selected for the new fresh and frozen warehouse and completed, AWG plans a future expansion into a single state-of-the-art facility with automated high-tech operations and with up to one million square feet of space, based on retail demand. In total, AWG expects this project to create over 400 new jobs.

The Upper Midwest Division will supply and support current and future cooperative members closer to the new operation. The service area will include Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin, providing those member-retailers a more localized assortment, lower cost of goods, and saving those AWG members millions of dollars annually through reduced freight expenses.

This expansion will create AWG’s ninth full-line wholesale Division. AWG currently operates Divisions in Kansas City, KS; Springfield, MO; Oklahoma City, OK; Southaven, MS; Goodlettsville, TN; Pearl River, LA; Kenosha, WI; and Norfolk, NE. The new Upper Midwest Division will be overseen by Danny Lane, AWG Senior Vice President, and long-time industry veteran.

“We are excited about the prospect of AWG’s newest facility opening in St. Cloud bringing investment, jobs, and services in support of existing local businesses,” said St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis. “The proposed state-of-the-art facility aligns with the City’s key industry sectors in automation and food manufacturing.”

David Smith, AWG’s President, and CEO said, “The upper Midwest is home to Coborn’s and other extraordinary independent grocers. We have experienced strong growth in this region, but distance and distribution costs weren’t favorable for our members or us. We believe this new Division will be a game-changer for grocers in the area and will quickly become our highest growth Division”.

“We are excited to embark on this new partnership with AWG and to be a part of their plans to expand into Minnesota. This partnership provides Coborn’s a strong wholesale partner and positions our company well for future long-term growth and stability,” said Chris Coborn, Chairman, President and CEO, Coborn’s. “As an employee-owned company, we are proud to join the AWG co-op which allows us to continue to serve our guests in a remarkable way. As community members, we are also pleased about the additional jobs this will create for Central Minnesota.”

“Coborn’s is one of the nation’s top independent grocers, with a rich history and impressive 100-year track record of retail excellence and growth while serving and supporting their communities. We’re very excited to welcome Coborn’s to the AWG cooperative family, and it’s a blessing to know that we can now support them as they enter the next century of their history”, said Smith.

Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) is the nation’s largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving over 1,000 member companies and over 3,100 locations throughout 28 states from 8 full-line wholesale Divisions. The consolidated sales for AWG are $10.6 billion. In addition to its cooperative wholesale operations, the company also operates subsidiary companies that provide specific real estate and supermarket development services, print and digital marketing services, health and beauty care, general merchandise, pharmaceutical products, specialty foods, and natural and organic products. For more information, visit AWGinc.com and follow @AWGCorporate on Twitter.

St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s, Inc. is a 100-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 9,300 employees and 59 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods and Hornbacher’s banners. Coborn’s, Inc. also owns liquor and pharmacy locations. To support its 130 various retail business units, Coborn’s, Inc. operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center. In 2021, Coborn’s, Inc. was recognized by the Shelby Report Midwest as their Retailer of the Year.

ST. CLOUD, MN – Coborn’s, Inc. is excited to announce the grand re-opening of its recently-completed Park Rapids, MN location.

Several grand opening events will be held to celebrate the newly remodeled Coborn’s. The store will host a ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14th. The remodeled store will offer new, enhanced services, an expanded assortment of products and fresh, enlarged perimeter fresh departments and new updated décor and a refreshed north-woods themed exterior to make the shopping experience even more unique! During the grand re-opening event, guests can enjoy samples throughout the store.

Coborn’s, Inc. has updated 19 of its 28 Coborn’s locations to its new, next-generation format. The company first introduced the updated concept in its Coborn’s division at its Coborn’s Marketplace in Isanti, MN in 2016. Since then, the company has remodeled several other Coborn’s stores in Minnesota to this format. The company is also building a new store in Buffalo, MN, to open later in 2021.

Some features of the newly remodeled Park Rapids store include:

The Kitchen: This new centerpiece area will serve made-to-order entrees that are packaged in-store for easy, convenient pick-up and quick at-home preparation. Specialty pizzas, delicious sandwiches and other grab-and-go breakfast, lunch and dinner options are just a few of the items guests will find in the Kitchen, in addition to a newly added Bake Shoppe and fresh Popcorn and Cotton Candy offering.

New Offerings in Meat and Seafood: In addition to the already wide selection of quality fresh meat products, several new items have been introduced, including a variety of smoked meats, Legendary Angus Beef products, an expanded seafood selection and more. The meat department also offers a variety of grab-and-go meal options as well.

Expanded Farmers’ Market produce: The first department in the store, our newly expanded produce department is filled with the freshest produce and items of the season including fruits, vegetables, salads, cut fruit, trays and more.

Online shopping: Guests can place their order online by visiting Coborns.com or by shopping on any mobile or desktop device and have their order waiting for them for pickup at a designated timeslot they’ve chosen at the store. As more and more consumers are looking to save time, the online shopping service is becoming more and more popular, especially with many Park Rapids lakes area visitors who can order prior to arriving, swing by and pick up their order conveniently without even leaving their vehicle.

Coborn’s in Park Rapids is led by Store Director Jonathan Du Shane who has served the company in a variety of store leadership positions since joining the company in 2009.

About Coborn’s, Inc. St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s, Inc. is a 100-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 9,300 employees and 59 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods and Hornbacher’s banners. Coborn’s, Inc. also owns liquor and pharmacy locations. To support its 130 various retail business units, Coborn’s, Inc. operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center. In 2021, Coborn’s, Inc. was recognized by the Shelby Report Midwest as their Retailer of the Year.

ST. CLOUD, MN – The Coborn Family Foundation announced today, a $1 Million pledge to the Great River Children’s Museum. Additionally, the company announced that it is recognizing 10 St. Cloud area non-profit organizations with $10,000 gifts to commemorate the company’s 100th Anniversary celebration.

Local charitable organizations receiving $10,000 gifts from the company include Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Minnesota, Anna Marie’s Alliance, Pathways for Youth, Paramount Theatre, Great Theatre Company, Tri-County Humane Society, Kiwanis, Quiet Oaks Hospice House and the St. Cloud Rotary. Check presentations were made to representatives from each of the organizations at the June 30th Summertime by George concert in downtown St. Cloud.

“The work that each of these organizations does for our community is truly inspiring,” CEO and Chairman Chris Coborn said. “Coborn’s is proud to support these organizations and the important work they do to help Central Minnesota families, children and our communities thrive. It’s important that we all support organizations in our region that make us stronger together and provide vibrant places for us all to live and work.”

Emily Coborn, president of the Coborn Family Foundation and vice president of operations for Coborn’s, Inc’s eastern region said, “We’re pleased to support the Great River Children’s Museum, where families can come together and be strengthened as they experience the joy of play together. This will be a significant addition to our community once it opens. We are thankful to the Central Minnesota community for the 100 years of support it has provided to Coborn’s, Inc. and we are pleased to give back to Central Minnesota families through these gifts.”

The Coborn Family Foundation was established jointly by Coborn’s, Inc., and members of the Coborn family in December 2015. The foundation facilitates the major gifts that Coborn’s, Inc., designates to communities where it operates retail locations and ensures that dollars set aside for charitable giving carry out the company’s core value of community giving. Annually, the company and its employees contribute more than $3 million in financial support as well as hundreds of volunteer hours to organizations and causes in communities where it operates.

About Coborn’s, Inc. St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s, Inc. is a 100-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 9,300 employees and 59 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods and Hornbacher’s banners. Coborn’s, Inc. also owns liquor and pharmacy locations. To support its 130 various retail business units, Coborn’s, Inc. operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center. In 2021, Coborn’s, Inc. was recognized by the Shelby Report Midwest as their Retailer of the Year.

ST. CLOUD, MN – Coborn’s, Inc. is excited to announce the company’s 100th anniversary this year. Since its humble beginnings in 1921, Coborn’s, Inc. has been a leader in the grocery industry, growing from a one-room produce market in Sauk Rapids, MN to expansion of a regional employee-owned grocery retailer employing 9,400 employees and 59 grocery stores. The company operates more than 120 various retail and business support units across Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota.

In 1921 Chester R. Coborn opened the Sauk Rapids, MN flagship store and during its first two decades, the grocer expanded in size and selection, changes that were driven by economic necessity and his commitment to innovation. The third-generation of family members, brothers Bob, Dan, Bill and Ron Coborn would begin the chain’s significant expansion during the 1970’s and 80’s¬, a time when changes in the grocery industry focused on services to provide convenient shopping to its customers. Considerable growth was seen during the 1990’s as the independent retailer remained committed to the pillars of fresh offerings, value and customer service. The turn of the century ushered in a new entrepreneurial spirit when fourth generation family member, Chris Coborn, became chairman, president and CEO. Chris has driven significant growth and change in the organization under his leadership over the past two decades. Two of Chris’s children, Emily and Peter, are now fifth-generation leaders in the organization as well.

As Coborn’s, Inc. celebrates 100 years, they live by their vision to “Be Remarkable!” The company remains committed to serving the communities where it operates and has donated millions of dollars, thousands of volunteer hours and numerous in-kind gifts to clubs and small non-profits that support youth and fighting hunger.

The grocer remains an industry leader through innovations in e-commerce shopping, a sophisticated customer loyalty program and ongoing investments in the company’s stores to modernize and meet today’s consumer demands.

“2020 was a challenging year for all of us as we dealt with the ongoing challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic presented. But since the company was founded back in 1921 by my great-grandfather, the company has stood the test of time through many difficulties,” fourth-generation Chairman, President and CEO Chris Coborn said. “Our guests, our business partners and our employees have made the difference. Through hard work, supporting one another, and giving back to our communities, we know we can manage through the tough times and celebrate the good ones, today and in the next 100 years.”

Coborn’s, Inc. will kick off their 100th year celebrations with special events throughout 2021 beginning April 11 with “Deals of the Century” in-store savings, special appreciation events, employee activities, a recipe exchange, and special commemorative website content featuring the history of Coborn’s, Inc. at www.coborns.com/100years.

St. Cloud, Minn.-based Coborn’s, Inc. is a 100-year-old employee-owned grocery retailer with nearly 9,500 employees and 59 grocery stores across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin under the Coborn’s, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods and Hornbacher’s banners. Coborn’s, Inc. also owns liquor and pharmacy locations. To support its 130 various retail business units, Coborn’s, Inc. operates its own central bakery, dry cleaning facility and grocery distribution center. In 2021, the company celebrates its 100th anniversary.