It's been almost a year since Victor and Tamara Zarowny took over Maidstone AG Foods and last week they celebrated the anniversary with a customer appreciation day, prize draws, fundraising barbecue and a meat sale.
The Zarowny's moved to Maidstone with their three daughters in July of 2009 and officially took over the store at the beginning of September of 2009. Tamara was and still is a nurse working the odd shift and Victor had three Weston bread franchises in the Battlefords region. He knew the store from his bread route and when former owner Steven Tully was ready to retire he teased Zarowny he should buy the store.
Zarowny teased him back saying "well, make me a good offer." A few weeks later an offer came and when Zarowny and his wife discussed the prospect they decided to look into it further.
"It was kind of a joke for us, we weren't looking for a grocery store to buy," he said.
As they finish their first year they look back pleased with the support of the community and the customers.
"When we have our fundraising barbecues everyone pulls together and I really want to thank the community for all the donations and support," he said.
He says he believes they should do their part to build community and keep the town strong. Through the weekly barbecues held on Wednesdays at lunch time throughout much of the year they have supported the school playground, Pine Island Lodge equipment fund, the bowling club and the Girl Guides. Wednesday, during the anniversary celebration, $950 was collected for the Maidstone Fire Department.
It has been a year of growth and changes. The family wasn't sure how the venture would turn out but they are enjoying the store and the community and look forward to a bright future in Maidstone.
They've made cosmetic changes to the store, put in a deli, upgraded some freezer equipment and renovated the office. They have many ideas and plans for the future and look at the evolution as a step-by-step process.
One of the biggest changes for customers has been the addition of business hours on Sundays and holidays and Zarowny has been pleasantly surprised by how busy it has been. The quarterly meat sale is another idea people are catching on to. It isn't a clearance sale but an opportunity to get fresh meat at 20 per cent off.
Zarowny is pleased with the people he works with every day.
"We have a really good staff. Without them I think I'd be lost," he said.
When they took over they added a journeyman meat cutter to the team and are pleased with the decision.
"I'm glad the town realizes we need two grocery stores. I don't want to be the only one in town. You need competition and whether they shop here or at the co-op we need grocery stores. Without a grocery store a town can go away pretty fast," he said.
He encourages people to shop locally and gets what he can from other local businesses.
"Prices may be a little higher but we have to realize we're not Walmart and can't get everything for a dollar."
