Hugo’s Family Marketplace will acquire J&B Foods in Park Rapids, Minn.
“We are excited to purchase a beautiful store like J&B Foods,” said Kristi Magnuson Nelson, president of Hugo’s. “Jeff and Bob Hensel have built a wonderfully successful supermarket in Park Rapids. J&B’s bakery, deli, meat and produce departments are top notch. Hugo’s is committed to maintaining the Hensels great tradition of innovative and quality perishable products as well as continuing their superior customer service and community support.”
Jeff and Bob Hensel started J&B Foods in 1982. Over the years, they expanded the store until, in 2001, they purchased a second location in East Park Rapids, Minn. The Hensel brothers operated both locations until opening the current 53,000-s.f. store in March 2009.
According to the Hensel brothers, the transaction will be completed by year’s end.
“Jeff and I look forward to working with the Hugo’s organization on the transition of J&B Foods into the Hugo’s family of stores,” said Bob Hensel. “We feel that this is a very positive development for our employees and the community we serve.”
Magnuson Nelson expects the transition to be seamless for the shoppers and employees of J&B Foods.
“Hugo’s will retain all of J&B’s management team and employees who currently work at the store.”
Hugo’s, headquartered in Grand Forks, N.D., was founded by Hugo and Dorothy Magnuson in 1939. Their son, Curt Magnuson, operated the stores until his passing in 2007. Hugo’s is supplied by the Nash Finch Co. With the addition of the Park Rapids store, Hugo’s will operate 10 supermarkets and five liquor stores throughout North Dakota and Minnesota.
