Sechelt Your Independent Grocer (previously Extra Foods) opened its new store to over 100 people waiting at the door for the grand opening on Dec. 11 at 5530 Sunshine Coast Hwy.
Owner and manager Dave Sawatsky said the renovations and change in name (the store is still owned by Loblaw) are to offer customers a unique experience.
“Your Independent Grocer stores focus on providing exceptional customer service and a wide variety of fresh food at great prices,” Sawatsky said. “We feel a Your Independent Grocer will better meet the needs of the Sechelt community.”
The grand opening was marked with a bread cutting ceremony – instead of a ribbon cutting – and a $1,000 cheque presentation to the Sunshine Coast Food Bank.
Your Independent Grocer is now offering 500 new products that weren’t offered at Extra Foods, including organic produce, a fresh juice bar and sushi.
Your Independent Grocer stores use a franchise model, although the new Sechelt location is currently a corporate store, according to Sawatsky. He said they’re in the process of transitioning from corporate to franchised at the Sechelt location.
Sawatsky moved to Sechelt in 2003. He said the highlight of his more than 40-year career with Loblaw was opening the nearly 4,000 square-metre Extra Foods in Sechelt.
“It has been a pleasure serving my customers on the Sunshine Coast all the way from Langdale to Egmont,” Sawatsky said. “I look forward to serving them all in this newly renovated store.”
