C&K Emerges from Bankruptcy
Progressive Grocer
July 1, 2014, 05:13 pm
Brookings, Ore.-based C&K Market has been cleared to emerge from bankruptcy devoid of court supervision.
“As we look to the future, we’re excited to implement several new programs,” including the launch of a local farm-to-store produce program at 11 Ray’s Food Place stores in Oregon, said Karl Wissmann, C&K Market’s president. “We’ll begin by taking care of our customers by providing them with healthier food choices and locally grown produce.”
The “Eat Fresh Eat Local” 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.” As a complement, customers can also sign up for the “Pick 5” CSA program, which starts July 5 and concludes Sept. 6. “Our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program offers customers choices,” Wissmann said. “Every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 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.”
Other initiatives that will be rolled out shortly 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.
Meanwhile, the remodel of Ray’s Roseburg, Ore., store 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 products, and the plan is to introduce this program throughout all stores.
“We’re responding to what our customers want,” said Wissmann, who was named to helm the company earlier this year.
Additionally, David D. Doty, an industry veteran with more than 40 years of retail food experience, was recently named the company’s CFO.
C&K filed a voluntary petition for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Oregon, Eugene (Case No. 13-64561-fra11) in late 2013. The independently owned grocer operates more than 40 grocery stores under the banners of Ray’s Food Place, Shop Smart and C&K Market.
