Last updated on April 2nd, 2020 at 12:00 pm
The Covid-19 pandemic is leaving its mark on the lives of all Americans, as the federal government continues to call for social distancing and working from home when possible. While some businesses and industries are sending employees home, the grocery industry across the nation is trying to keep up with demand for food and essential supplies. In the Southwest, retail grocers Reasor’s and Brookshire Grocery Co. are doing their best to respond to this national public health emergency.
Reasor’s updates customers on its Covid-19 response
Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Reasor’s is reaching out to its customers to update them on how it is dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The coronavirus pandemic is creating unprecedented opportunities for the food industry. First, let me pass along that we have been assured there is plenty of food in our country. The pipeline, however, due to extremely high volume, is having problems keeping up with demand, especially on some very high demand products,” said Jeff Reasor, chairman and CEO. “We are working with our suppliers to maintain product availability at the best levels possible.”
He added that in addition to product availability, the cleanliness of the grocery stores always has been a priority. Reasor’s has expanded its cleaning protocols and is working to maintain clean surfaces 24 hours a day.
Reasor also said that curbside pickup is important and the company is working to keep up with demand for this service.
“As you have seen in our stores or when picking up your order curbside, our employees are performing in an exceptional manner to support our customers. We believe we have the best employees in the industry, and they are proving that in these challenging times,” Reasor said.
“We also feel that we have the best customers in the industry. During these very trying times, we appreciate the support and patience our customers are showing. Additionally, effective March 20, we will be respectfully requesting customers to reserve the 6-7 a.m. shopping time each day for those shoppers who are at a higher risk of severe illness by Covid-19, which includes older adults (60-plus) and individuals who have compromised immune systems.”
Due to the volatility of product availability, Reasor’s is suspending its printed ad until further notice. The last printed ad will be April 1.
“Currently, the planning and procurement of products for a printed ad require a longer timeframe to develop than we are able to meet at this time because of the volatility in the marketplace,” Reasor said. “We are moving to digital communication to allow us to remove and add special deals in a timely manner. We will continue to put weekly digital deals online that you will be able to access at reasors.com. We will also be e-mailing these deals to all Reasor’s Online Account holders to the email addresses that are on file, to those that have signed up on our website for weekly emails, as well as communicate these deals through social media platforms. If you do not have a Reasor’s Online Account, please visit reasors.com to sign up or update any information you feel is outdated. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.”
Reasor’s was founded 55 years ago at a single location in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, by namesake, Larry Reasor. Today, the company has 17 locations and one convenience store throughout northeastern Oklahoma. In 2007, Reasor’s became employee-owned and now provides jobs for nearly 2,300 community members.
BGC to give employees gift checks for appreciation of effort
Tyler, Texas-based Brookshire Grocery Co. (BGC) is giving its almost 14,000 employees a special bonus in appreciation for their outstanding effort and service over the past month. The discretionary bonus is equivalent to up to one half week’s pay for active employees.
“We want to show our appreciation for the incredible hard work and dedication of our employees supporting each other, our neighbors and communities during these unprecedented times,” said Trent Brookshire, chief operating officer for Brookshire Grocery Co. “As our stores are an essential destination for our communities, it’s been amazing to witness our team pull together to serve our customers like never before. We believe it is the right thing to do to give back to our partners as they have demonstrated grit, determination, commitment and care for our guests and communities over the past few weeks.”
The company is committed to recognizing and honoring its employees. Employees are annually recognized for their years of service and for outstanding leadership and performance. Employee engagement and appreciation is important to BGC and remains a key area of focus. The company strives to be an employer of choice by offering professional development for its employees and benefits that include medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, paid time off, stock ownership, a 401K retirement plan, incentive plans, employee discounts and educational scholarships. In addition, BGC established its Partner Care Fund in 2018 to provide assistance to employees in times of need.
BGC is a regional family-owned grocery business that employs almost 14,000 individuals throughout Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. The company operates more than 180 stores under the Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods, FRESH by Brookshire’s and Spring Market banners, along with three distribution centers and corporate offices.
