Brookings, Ore. – On June 30, 2014, United States Bankruptcy Judge Frank R. Alley III signed an order confirming C&K Market’s plan to emerge from bankruptcy, which allows the company to operate without the court’s supervision.
“As we look to the future, we’re excited to implement several new programs. We’ll begin by taking care of our customers by providing them with healthier food choices and locally grown produce,” said Karl Wissmann, C&K Market’s president.
This summer the independent chain will launch a local farm-to-store produce program at 11 Ray’s Food Place stores in Oregon. Called Eat Fresh Eat Local, the program will bring fresh produce from nearby family farms to the stores. “These farmers use sustainable methods, and we’re proud to offer our customers more than 100 varieties of local fruits and vegetables.”
As a complement to the Eat Fresh Eat Local program, customers can also sign up for the Pick 5 CSA program. “Our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program offers customers choices,” Wissmann said. “Every Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon, customers who sign up for the program can visit a participating store and pick five fruits and vegetables from our Farmers Markets featuring locally grown produce.” The CSA program starts July 5 and concludes Sept. 6.
The remodel of the Roseburg Ray’s will be complete in August. In addition to expanding its selection of produce and meat, more than 1,000 new healthy items will be integrated throughout the store. Special signage will call attention to the new items, and the plan is to introduce this program throughout all stores.
“We’re responding to what our customers want,” Wissmann said. “That’s the genesis of our Eat Fresh Eat Local initiative and our emphasis on healthier grocery items.”
Other initiatives that will be rolled out shortly include: a specialty candy program featuring nostalgic, sugar-free and gourmet selections; a new natural pork program; additional hot food items and salad bars; and an expanded wine selection in many stores.
Earlier this year, the company named Karl Wissmann as its president. An industry veteran with more than 40 years of retail food experience, he joined C&K earlier this year as chief operations officer. David D. Doty was recently named the company’s Chief Financial Officer.
C&K filed a voluntary petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon, Eugene (Case No. 13-64561-fra11) in late 2013.
About C&K Market, Inc.
C&K Market Inc., an independently owned grocery retailer based in Brookings, Ore., operates more than 40 grocery stores under the banners of Ray’s Food Place, Shop Smart and C&K Market. More information can be found at www.ckmarket.com.
Source: C&K Market, Inc.