U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Frank R. Alley III signed an order Monday confirming C&K Market’s plan to emerge from bankruptcy, which allows the company to operate without the court’s supervision.
“As we look to the future, we’re excited to implement several new programs. We’ll begin by taking care of our customers by providing them with healthier food choices and locally grown produce,” said Karl Wissmann, C&K Market’s president.
This summer the independent chain, based in Brookings, Ore., will launch a local farm-to-store produce program at 11 Ray’s Food Place stores in Oregon. Called Eat Fresh Eat Local, the program will bring fresh produce from nearby family farms to the stores.
“These farmers use sustainable methods, and we’re proud to offer our customers more than 100 varieties of local fruits and vegetables,” said Wissmann.
As a complement to the Eat Fresh Eat Local program, customers also can sign up for the Pick 5 CSA program.
“Our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program offers customers choices,” said Wissmann. “Every Saturday from 7 a.m.-noon, customers who sign up for the program can visit a participating store and pick five fruits and vegetables from our Farmers Markets featuring locally grown produce.”
The CSA program starts Saturday and concludes Sept. 6.
The remodel of the Roseburg Ray’s will be complete in August. In addition to expanding its selection of produce and meat, more than 1,000 new healthy items will be integrated throughout the store. Special signage will call attention to the new items, and the plan is to introduce this program throughout all stores.
“We’re responding to what our customers want,” said Wissmann. “That’s the genesis of our Eat Fresh Eat Local initiative and our emphasis on healthier grocery items.”
Other initiatives that will be rolled out soon include: a specialty candy program featuring nostalgic, sugar-free and gourmet selections; a new natural pork program; additional hot food items and salad bars; and an expanded wine selection in many stores.
The company recently named Wissmann its president. An industry veteran with more than 40 years of retail food experience, he joined C&K earlier this year as COO. David D. Doty recently was named the company’s CFO.
C&K filed a voluntary petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in late 2013.
