Associated Food Stores members Jason and Tricia Hurd are the epitome of busy business owners. The Idaho-based family owns two Can-Am Offroad ATV and Side-by Side dealerships, two airplane hangars with accompanying airplanes, a trucking company and Robin’s Roost Groceries and Chevron Gas in Island Park, Idaho.

The store has been a longtime fixture for Island Park residents, cabin owners and tourists.

Retail Counselor Gary Sontag reports the store has experienced at least double digit increases nearly every year since it became an AFS member about 15 years ago.

“While traffic changes significantly with the seasons, this store has performed extremely well and Jason and Tricia are tremendous owners,” said Gary.

With continued growth in the area and increased popularity, the existing 4,000-square-foot store was no longer able to keep up with demand. With that in mind, a new store was built across from the older location. The new store is approximately 10,500 square feet providing ample room for expanding offerings.

The new store allows for important expansion in all departments, especially perishable areas.

“The store is going to have a bakery/deli for the first time and expanded produce and meat departments,” said Gary. “Frozen will be about ten times the size and center store is also expanding by about 20 percent.”

The store is also adding many more exclusive brand and KEHE specialty items to meet the growing needs of store guests.

The old store closed on Monday, May 15. If all goes well, the Hurd’s plan to open the new store on Friday, May 19.

Gary, along with many other AFS team members, is heavily involved in helping the store be ready for the soft opening. The Fresh Start team and construction teams are on site and working diligently. Gordon Daley, Jerry Tingey, Lisa Davis, Travis Walker, Rachel VanBeekum, Brad Mifflin, Jared Beasley, Duwayne Warren, June Hagadone, Michael Wilson, Darren Wade and others are also lending their expertise. Emily Butlin, from the marketing team, has helped the store with its new website.

 

“As always, the team members of Associated Food Stores are demonstrating their commitment to the independent grocer in phenomenal ways,” said Gary.

Retailers and team members are encouraged to watch StoreLink and Team News for details and photos following the official grand opening in June.