A Sunshine Coast supermarket that was recognised with a major award is set to be enhanced.
The Cotton Tree FoodWorks, on King Street at Maroochydore, was recently adjudged the National Express Store of the Year at the Australian United Retailers (ARU) Store Excellence Awards in Adelaide.
The shop, owned by Leigh and Kate Grandy, was acknowledged for its customer experience and product range.
Mr Grandy said the store was a great fit for the area.
“Customers like our fresh produce and ready-to-go food backed up by a good range of groceries,” he said.
“They appreciate the personal and friendly service they can get.
“It has everything the tourists need when they arrive but is also a reliable and convenient service for the locals.
“We always strive to have the best quality produce on offer.
“We have a chef who ensures there is always good, fresh food ready for breakfast, lunch or dinner.”
He believed small stores generally provided a higher level of personalised customer service.
“With hands-on owners and management and friendly and enthusiastic young staff, we’re able to create an environment where customers enjoy going,” he said.
“We’re always grateful to have such good support from our local customers and staff who enjoy being here and working with us to be successful. It really is a great place to do business.”
The shop, which opened almost 30 years ago, underwent an expansion and refurbishment about 12 years ago before the Grandys took over about eight years ago.
“We bought it to have something that would better suit a young family,” Mr Grandy said.
“It allows us to work locally and gives us the flexibility around having children, aged 13, 11 and 9.”
He also revealed how the store – which has a full-time manager, chef and 15 casual staff members – will be improved this year.
“Commencing in May, we’ll be upgrading the store to include new flooring, lighting and counter area,” he said.
“It will be a busy few months but we’re excited and proud to keep working on the store so it grows with the area and is around for the long term.”
ARU national operations manager Robert Markezic praised the outlet as a “worthy winner”.
“This supermarket is a great example of the dedicated and driven retailers within Australia’s independent supermarket sector,” he said.
Meanwhile, judges revealed more information about why it won.
“Since taking over, they (the Grandys) have transformed the store into a well-respected local business, which we are proud to have our FoodWorks banner on,” they said.
“What was then an average 250sqm convenience store, catering to mainly tourists, now boasts an exceptional fresh and specialty focus and offer that caters to all and is loved by both visiting holiday-goers and locals alike.
“The standout is the produce department, deli and bakery lines.
“In a beachfront community, the ice creamery, food-to-go and gourmet and entertaining ranging are all excellent.”
FoodWorks is the country’s largest independent supermarket chain, with more than 400 stores across Australia, ranging from convenience to full-size supermarkets.
It is part of the ARU group, which also includes other supermarkets, convenience stores and liquor retailers.
