The United Family opened its first United Supermarkets and United Express fuel and convenience stores in Brownwood at 300 East Commerce on June 17.
The grand opening ceremony for the 42,648-s.f. supermarket and 1,472 s.f. convenience store included a $10,000 check presentation to Good Samaritan Ministries, as well as a $1,200 donation to the Austin Avenue Church of Christ, the church that hosted job fair events.
“This grand opening is the culmination of hard work and dedication demonstrated by many United Family team members and Brownwood community leaders,” said Robert Taylor, CEO of The United Family. “We are excited to introduce this community to our company’s special brand of service, while also providing a comprehensive selection of everyday items families need at an affordable price.”
United Supermarkets features a large selection of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, including more than 100 organic options, fresh meat and seafood and experienced meat cutters. Other notable features include a full-service bakery and walk-in beer cooler, as well as Texas-made products, a large frozen food section and an extensive selection of gluten-free items. A drive-thru pharmacy is available and plans are under way for the addition of an in-store clinic.
In addition to standard convenience items, the United Express store has sandwiches, breakfast burritos and other items available that are made fresh daily in the primary store. It also has a four-pump (eight-dispenser) fuel station, which offers both gasoline and diesel.
“This United Supermarkets represents our newest format for the banner, which Brownwood guests will really enjoy,” said Wes Jackson, chief merchandising officer for The United Family. “The store features an expanded offering of fresh foods including fresh prepared food complete with in-store dinning. In a very recent exciting development, we will also feature an in-store Starbucks opening later this year.”
Store director Lynn Day comes to Brownwood from Graham, Texas, where he served as the assistant store director since 1994. Prior to his arrival at United, Day spent 14 years in the grocery retail business with other regional companies.
“Not only will guests be able to fulfill their grocery, gas and pharmacy needs here, but this store serves as an asset to our community,” said Day. “We are proud to provide employment opportunities and enable further economic development within the Brownwood economy.”
The 9.8-acre site is responsible for nearly 200 jobs in the community and an estimated payroll of $1.35 million per year.
United Supermarkets is the flagship brand of The United Family, a Texas-based grocery chain that operates 66 stores in West Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth and New Mexico under five banners: United Supermarkets, Market Street, Amigos, Albertsons Market and United Express. The United Family is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Albertson’s LLC.
Company hires new bakery director
In other United Family news, Gaston Luna has joined the company as director of bakery. Luna plans to share his innovative take on baking and the passion he developed through years of industry experience with the United team.
“We are thrilled to have someone with Gaston’s experience leading our bakery department,” said Diane Earl, senior director of prepared foods. “Considering Gaston’s extensive knowledge of the industry, we are confident his insights will propel our department forward and bring fresh ideas.”
Prior to joining The United Family, Luna served as GM and director of operations at Casey’s Cupcakes in California. Luna also has served in several capacities for California-based grocery chains, including as the director of bakery and tortilleria operations for Mi Pueblo Foods, the director of bakery at Jensen’s Finest Foods and in the bakery operations department at Vallarta.
“I am extremely excited to join The United Family and lead bakery operations of each of the company’s five successful banners,” said Luna. “I look forward to sharing my experience, in hopes of bringing innovative ideas to the team and leading department growth.”
Luna takes the the place of Tammy Kampsula, who served as the bakery director for The United Family for 12 years.
