Amid a busy shopping day at the new store, a grand opening ceremony was held Aug. 17 at Coborn’s Marketplace on the east side of Isanti.
including much greeting going on in the fresh meats and seafood section.
“I truly believe that we put together what we call our next generation: Coborn’s Marketplace. It is quite remarkable,” began Chris Coborn, chairman, president and CEO of Coborn’s. “Last night we had our employee gathering to talk about the opening this morning, and I have never been to a store opening with so much enthusiasm, led by our (store director) Mary Kruck.”
He continued at the ceremony: “This dream, I guess, of this next generation of our stores has been talked about for some time. Working on what this store should look like, what would be relevant for our guests. The millennial generation is getting older and starting families; their shopping habits are certainly a little different than my boomer generation.”
Coborn and ensuing speakers listed elements of the Marketplace that fit that vision at the Isanti store: A “Chop Shoppe” is situated next to the produce section where fresh vegetables and fruits can be prepped for dinner. A dietician is on staff for guidance on food choices. A pit master works his smokehouse skills in the meat department. And there are fun touches, like Holstein-colored tile in the dairy department.
Coborn gave a quick history of the family store chain that grew out of Sauk Rapids when his great-grandfather opened the first grocery in 1921. The second store was opened in Foley, and the new store was the 55th opening to be celebrated.
The CEO also fondly recalled his early days working as a truck driver in the family business when he would make repeated trips to Isanti to pick up Royal Oak charcoal at the plant which used to be situated on the south edge of town. Another interesting local connection was bringing in David Johnson as pharmacist in the Coborn’s Marketplace; Johnson operated Isanti Pharmacy for years in the downtown shop.
Chris Coborn’s father and mother, Dan and Mable
Coborn, were on hand at the ceremony to represent the third generation of the store lineage. Chris’ daughter, Emily, is a fifth-generation Coborn team member who oversees the fresh produce department.
“As you walk into our store, you will see a sign that has our vision and mission statement on it,” said Emily Coborn. “Our vision is to be remarkable every day, and to inspire happiness, healthy living and simplicity one step at a time, one guest at a time.”
