Hundreds Attend Family Fare Grand Reopening

By ANGELA KELLOGG-HENRY

Cleaver Managing Editor

HARRISON – On Wednesday, March 25, the Harrison Family Fare invited the community to celebrate the remodeling of its store. The three-hour open house packed in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a check presentation to Harrison Community Schools, free samples throughout the store, children’s activities, specials, and the first 100 customers received gift bags full of goodies.

The store was built in 2000 with no full remodel since according to Bill Arkwood, district manager. He recapped the store’s transition from Ashcraft’s to Glen’s Markets to the Family Fare name used today. Store and corporate management also took the opportunity to recognize three long-term employees, citing them as key members of the store throughout the many changes in location and name over the years. Large applause from fellow employees and shoppers honored Max Coleman, employed since 1988; Tonya, employed since 1991; and Jim Martin, employed since 1997.

“Family Fare has always been part of how Harrison celebrates, shops and comes together,” Store Director Melynda Kosinski said. “This refresh is our way of reinvesting in this community, while giving shoppers state-of-the-art departments and in-store experiences that match how they shop today.”

Other speakers included Justin Cavanaugh, Harrison city manager. Cavanaugh’s comments thanked Family Fare for being a part of the community and cited Harrison that was lucky to have the dedication of several grocery stores to serve the community. Also in attendance was Tom Kunse, Michigan House of Representatives; Harrison Community School Board members, Harrison City Council members including Dan Sullivan, mayor of Harrison, and many others.

While the crowd was large,as  attested by an entirely full parking lot at 3 p.m. when the event started, checkout lines moved quickly, happy shoppers waited in small lines for free hot dogs and other grocery samples throughout the store. Children (and adults!) enjoyed face painting, coloring activities and walked away with custom balloon animals.

Family Fare is a member of the C&S family of companies. C&S operates more than 200 corporate-run grocery stores primarily under the banners: D&W^® Fresh Market, Grand Union, Family Fare^®, Martin’s Super Markets and Piggly Wiggly^®.