By Dan Ross, Sooke News Mirror
November 30, 2005
There is a hockey Hall of Fame replete with the likes of Gretzky, Hull, Howe and more enshrined there. For those in Sooke, there may not be any members of that specific hall, but a grocery store in town can now lay claim to being a Hall of Fame member.
Village Food Markets has been inducted in to the Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers Hall of Fame, an award given to grocers who, “show a high level of store excellence year after year,” according to the grocers association. Jerry Liedtke of Village Foods, along with partner Bruce Logan, said although the award is industry-based, it still shows how well things have gone for them by being a part of the Sooke community.
“This Hall of Fame award is truly an honour to receive and a thrill to share with our staff and management. It has been achieved through hard work and dedication from our staff and management team.”
Jerry Liedtke
Logan and Liedtke started working together some 30 years ago, with the past 26 as partners. Logan, Liedtke said, first found the Sooke location and invited him along as a produce manager. Logan’s parents lived in Sooke when he came for a visit and saw the Evergreen Centre under construction. He liked the location and soon a lease was secured. In 1979 Village Food Markets was opened.
“I phoned about the same time and asked if they needed a produce manager,” said Liedke. “They said come on down, lets be partners.
Founded at that time by Liedtke, Logan and Chris Craig, the store is now run by Logan’s three sons.
John F.T. Scott, President of The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers commented that, “When Bruce & Jerry built Village Food Markets, they believed in investing in the community and built their store in the mould of the people that live in Sooke who have enthusiastically embraced their community grocery store. Over the years, Bruce, Jerry and Scott have added to that home-town feeling in all aspects of their operation and that is why Village Food Markets repeatedly wins these industry awards. Their commitment to excellence and the community make them a stand out.”
The market, under the ownership of Liedtke and Logan, has been very involved in many community events and activities, from the former All Sooke Days to “being behind a major push for the mosaic at Ed Macgregor Park,” to other areas, said Liedke.
“If somebody needs help in times of need, we are not afraid to help,” said Liedtke, adding the nice part of being an independent grocer (as opposed to being part of a corporate chain) is they can make the donation decision on the spot rather than having to call corporate for approval.
Receiving the award is something the men are proud of, but they also understand customers do not come in because of awards. They come in because ownership and staff provide a product customers want and appreciate.
“These things do not happen because of us,” Liedtke said of he and Logan. “They happen because of the staff and the community support.”
The list of awards, however, is impressive. Along with the Hall of Fame Award, Village Food Markets received the Gold Independent Grocer of the Year Award in 1997, Silver in 1986, 1990, Bronze in 1984, 1991 and Platinum in 1995. They also received Regional Awards in 1984, 1986-91 and 1997, a Master Merchandising Award in 1994 and since 1984 have received the Award of Merit every year.