In
general this Nigerian proverb conveys the African worldview
that emphasizes the values of family relationships, parental
care, self-sacrificing concern for others, sharing, and even
hospitality. This proverb is thought provoking. It is however
going to be a segue for a story about a wonderful supermarket
that is thriving in the village of Moab…
The owner of The Village Market, John Buxman would want you
to call him John, “…things are very informal here,
and we operate on a first name basis.” He might also
add that it has been his “dream” to provide the
unique experience of a neighborhood grocery store, with the
modern advantages.
Way back in 1967, in the little town of Minturn, Colorado,
it began and has since grown into 4 village market stores that
are either in western CO. or SE Utah. It seems evident that
his idea of this “neighborhood grocery store” is
an idea shared by many of their patron customers as they do
continue to thrive and prosper in communities where commitment
to the people that live there, remains foremost in the business’ philosophy.
My attention was torn between the history of the stores owner,
his dream; and the fascinating actuality of his dream, this
quaint, approachable, successful market.
The Village Market, located on Main, heading south, in the
heart of Moab, is packed full of sumptuous food and lots of “family”.
It is truly a team effort amongst the staff and managers to
provide the stores core values. “To work together to
provide the BEST customer service ever. To look out for the
customers every need and want. To also provide the BEST product
and prices as that is the incentive for the customers to return
again and again.”
There are familiar faces that call
you by name, that greet you as they lovingly tend to the
lettuce, squash & fruit that adorn the front entry.
The entrance that is welcoming and looks like a proud host
of many a great product... You will enter in to the very
nucleus of the market as you walk in, the Produce Area,
where the fresh well-stocked harvest awaits the hungry
shoppers. It is truly a market, and that resonates as you
walk in to that vast produce area.
What
do you crave? Trail Mix, a 3-layer cake, a fresh salad
with all the fixings, soup, fresh bread, rack of ribs,
salmon, chicken, cheese, beer, water, milk and bread? A
mini-dollar store? Whatever you want, is what I saw, neatly
laid out, throughout the various departments. It is a pretty
big store, but it is more of a “market”, an
efficient place to shop AND see your friends. You feel
like you are a part of the family, part of the village,
the community, and a hub for many things besides milk and
bread. You can buy the local papers with a cup of coffee
and a donut and sit out front and read. “We have
regulars who do that, if we don’t see them every
day, we get worried.” Dorthea mentioned, when asked
about the kinship with the customers. It is refreshing
to feel like you are in a place that is personable and
caring. You can’t be in there 5 minutes without the “village” staff
acknowledging you and attending to any requests. You can
ask them for anything and if they can’t find it,
have a policy that states they will do everything they
can to get it for you for the next visit. Even little Alexx
Myers of Moab expressed his shopping glee, as he was able
to join in the experience.
RECIPE
OF THE MONTH
Sauteed
Chayote
per Jason in Village
Market Produce!
INGREDIENTS:
2 chayote squash
1 medium onion
1 green pepper
1 red pepper
1 clove of garlic
2 Tbsp. Olive oil
Salt & Pepper to taste
METHOD:
Peel and slice chayote. Chop onion, peppers and garlic.
Preheat oil in saucepan and sauté all ingredients
until tender. Chayote will be firm, but crunchy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with
grilled meat and rice. |
The Moab Store manager, Everett Vaughn
is a good example of this caring and devoted mentality. You
will not have to look far, as he is the one who is bigger
than life, greeting people as they emerge through the wide
double-doors of the entrance. We conducted our interview
while Everett tended to people in line, answered questions
from cashiers and greeted almost every customer. He raved
about the other employees, the on-site master butcher, or
the companies three other stores. The “masters” that
are in the Village Market family, are proud and happy. Whether
it is Rich in the Meat dept., or Jason in Produce, Ken in
the Bakery/Deli. are devoted to their craft in the Village
Market “family” business. Lest not forget the
countless others that work there whose names include Dorthea,
Susan, Jennifer, Lyndi, James and many more. Everett and
his family/staff can be found there, most days, Monday through
Sunday, 7am to 10pm waiting to help shoppers shop and get
home quick. I don’t think they have changed their hours
since the opening in May of ’06, and they have perfected
a real savings plan that if the “village” coupons
are used with a $25 purchase, you save 12% on average! (Those
coupons are often in the local papers and in the store as
well!) They are really giving us consumers some help where
we need it most.
Stop by and say “HI!” to your “family”.
Ah Moab!
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