As I write this piece on a most sacred day in our history, September 11, now called Patriot Day, I think back to that day 23 years ago, when our world changed forever, not for better. With the divisiveness in our country these days, we should remember that feeling of unity we felt in the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attack. That unity makes America so special. Indeed, we are a work in progress as our founding fathers said we always would be. We can, and must, do better.
Amazon Fresh has brought its reimagined stores to the Delaware Valley market with the opening of a 42,000 square foot store on Street Road in Bensalem, Bucks County. The store had stood empty for over two years. The store features the company’s latest brick-and-mortar design unveiled last year in Chicago and Southern California.
“We’re thrilled to open our newest Amazon Fresh grocery store right here in Bucks County. This opening invites customers in Bensalem to experience grocery shopping with Amazon Fresh, both in-store and online. We’re excited for customers to see our wide selection of national brands, high-quality produce, meat and seafood, and curated array of their favorite local items and fresh-prepared meals. Our team is proud to continue expanding in Pennsylvania and build new relationships with our customers and important local organizations in the area like Philabundance,” said Lionel Triplett, regional manager, Amazon Fresh.
So here are my observations from visiting the store on opening day. The store is clean. The staff and management were more than pleasant, unlike my opening day experience in Warrington. Prices are not lower, and they are two-tiered as I mentioned before, for Prime members and non-Prime members. In fact, in some instances prices are higher than at the traditional supermarket. Some folks came in to take a look and left without purchasing anything because of the high prices. On a positive note, the store layout has been remerchandised to display more food products instead of the “Best of Amazon” that used to take up the entire right back corner in the store. They are even offering a $10 off of $40 if you bring your amazon online returns to the store. As I said when the first store opened in Warrington, they are strategically located distribution centers. Food just happens to be there. That still holds true.
ShopRite of Yardley, the Colalillo family-owned supermarket marked its 10th anniversary at the end of August. A weeklong celebration kicked off the festivities with the rollout of Caper Carts on August 23 at the store located on Big Oak Road. The full-sized smart shopping carts, powered by Instacart technology, allow customers to scan items as they shop, manage their budget in real-time and check out seamlessly. The cart uses sensors, computer vision technology and built-in scales to automatically scan items and weigh produce as items are placed in the cart. The running total is visible on the cart screen as customers shop, allowing them to keep track of spending. With tight budgets these days, it’s a huge help. The Caper Cart also knows when something is returned to the shelf and deletes it from the running total. Plus, it allows for a personal item, like a handbag, to sit in the cart. Press a button and it’s done. Shoppers can also link their ShopRite Price Plus cards to apply in-store savings and deals. To checkout, customers simply scan the barcode displayed on the cart’s screen at the store’s self-checkout area.
“We are so excited to mark our 10th anniversary celebration with the addition of Caper Carts. It’s another tool we can offer customers for a smart, convenient way to shop that makes their store experience even better,” said Sam Colalillo of the ShopRite of Yardley. “We hope our Yardley neighbors will come in and try the carts and check out some of the other fun events we have planned all week long.”
Joe Colalillo’s father and Sam’s grandfather, Joseph A. Colalillo, founded the family’s grocery business 66 years ago. The ShopRite of Yardley opened in August 2014 with a focus on fresh prepared foods and customer service.
“Our associates educate and engage our customers, and their passion really makes the difference in our business,” said Joe Colalillo. “We have an in-store retail dietitian who offers complimentary nutrition services to customers and collaborates with store chefs to conduct cooking classes. The store team also supports local food pantries and raises awareness around food insecurity. It’s not just about food, it’s about people, and we look forward to celebrating and thanking our customers and dedicated team for 10 great years.” Congratulations!
The golf season is revving up again for the Fall Tour. As you all know, each outing is special, and I wish I could report on every single one. This past week, Redner’s held its outing on five golf courses with the after function at a new location, the Redner’s Event Center overlooking the Reading Fightin Phils’ field at the FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading, PA. The Redner’s have the naming rights for the next ten years. It’s a big change, but then again, the Redners are making even more changes to the outing going forward. Before the prizes were given out, both Ryan and Gary Michael spoke. With his mother Elaine in attendance, Ryan’s speech began with the Washington Redskins theme (not the Commanders). He spoke of his father, Dick Redner, who passed earlier this year, and how much he loved this outing. He told the crowd how he knew his father was with them because he gave them the most beautiful day to play golf. They raised a glass to toast his memory. He also talked about the trip program, which Ryan and Gary Michael will be reviving to the level it was 30 years ago. It was an emotional speech and brought back fond memories.
Gary Michael was next, and his speech began with the Eagles anthem, “Fly, Eagles Fly,” which was well received by the huge Eagles fan base in attendance. Gary Michael announced a big change coming to the outing. Beginning in 2025, it is going to be changed from the GWR Memorial golf outing to The Legends Outing honoring the three men – Earl “The Chief” Redner, Dick “The Boss” Redner, and Gary W. Redner – who came before them founding and growing the business to where it is today. Then there was another toast, of course. Eric White then took the mic and became the emcee extraordinaire giving out golf awards and prizes. That being said, the prize for best music at a golf outing has to go to DJ Frankie “Karaoke” (who works for UNFI in real life). He spins the best party songs at two levels, loud and louder. Congrats to the Redner’s for another awesome outing!
Beloved Philadelphia area snack manufacturer Herr Foods has announced the winner of the third annual “Flavored by Philly” contest, a unique selection of chips crafted exclusively for the City of Brotherly Love. “This year’s ‘Flavored by Philly’ contest has been an extraordinary journey, and we are excited to announce Romano’s Stromboli: Special Hot Chips as the winner of our third annual Flavored by Philly Contest,” said Ed Herr, chairman and CEO of Herr’s. “Their creative interpretation of a beloved Philadelphia classic truly captures the essence of the ‘Flavored by Philly’ contest. Although only one flavor can win, we congratulate Talluto’s and Mom Mom’s Kitchen for their exceptional entries and partnership in this competitive event. Their remarkable flavors and contributions have greatly enriched the contest, showcasing their outstanding culinary skills and enhancing the overall excitement of the competition.”
Romano’s Stromboli wins $10,000, and John Lishok, who submitted the nomination, will also receive $5,000. The two small businesses in the runners-up position will also receive $2,500 each, while their devoted nominators will be awarded $1,000.
Wedding bells were ringing on September 6 as Christine Hixon, bakery sales manager at Albertsons MidAtlantic, tied the knot with fiancé Mark Leatherwood at the Volunteer Brewing Company in Middletown, DE followed by a honeymoon on the Northwest Coast. Christine made a beautiful bride. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness, love and good health together. Congratulations!
Walking into the sunset this month is my old friend Scott Vicari who is retiring from Advantage Solutions after an entire career in our industry. Scott, who originally hails from Noth Jersey, is a proud Navy veteran who served our country on the USS Ranger and USS Midway in the Pacific Arena just after the Vietnam War. He spent his career in advertising and marketing, beginning at A&P/Super Fresh and ending with 24 years at Advantage Sales & Marketing (now Solutions). In between were various advertising stints, all food related. Scott has been very involved in charitable organizations, including MAFTO, where he served as president for one term. He has been a Mason for over 12 years, serving as the “Grand Poobah” of his lodge for one of those years. Honestly, Scott is an all-around good human, and I am proud to call him my friend. We wish him all good things as he looks forward to enjoying life with his lovely wife, Jackie. Happy trails, Scott!
Taking another trip around the waning summer sun this month are: John Ruane, The Giant Company; Anthony Gigliotti, Boyer’s Markets; Nick Sborlini and Anne Marie Mozzone, Acme Markets; Fran Dolan, Herr Foods; Tommy Kovacevich, TMK Produce; Lauren Eni Canseco, Dietz & Watson; Joe Gardyan, Utz Snacks; Thom Nardi, Paradigm Partners; and special “big” birthday wishes to Bruce Zallie, retired from ShopRite. Buon compleanno a tutti!
L’shana Tovah – a sweet and peaceful new year to our friends of the Jewish faith as they pray for the release of the hostages being held in Gaza and for a good year ahead for us all.
Quote of the month: “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.” Thomas A. Edison
