Township Grocer, which launched a bit more than a month ago, will celebrate its grand opening next Friday.
The Edwardsville store, at 102 N. Main St., will host a ribbon-cutting and reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on June 18. Attendees will be treated to herbal sodas and snacks from Township Grocer’s shelves.
Karen Bailey and Amy Zupanci co-own it. Zupanci – who also serves as chef and owner of Fond, the adjoining restaurant – told us, “Hands-down, the best-selling item in the store that Fond makes is our hummus. Also, people have been thrilled with our beverage selection, particularly the varietal-specific grape sodas and ‘real’ Coke with sugar.”
The two co-owners already plan to expand the product line, she noted. “Increasing the amount of Fond items on the shelves is our next move,” said Zupanci. “I would love to be able to have over half of the store stocked with Fond food. I’m truly surprised with how well our retail line has sold.”
In that respect, Zupanci expressed amusement at some customers’ shock that the shop also stocks non-house-made wares. “Those people have missed the point,” she said. “I’m not reinventing the wheel. Sriracha [hot sauce] is the best, in my opinion. It’s in my pantry at Fond – get it? ‘Township Grocer, an everyday pantry by Fond.’
“Making everything from scratch isn’t practical in this global society,” Zupanci continued. “Buying everything in a box filled with who-knows-what isn’t practical for your health. How do we move forward while being socially responsible, supportive of local farmers, yet practical for every day? By choosing wisely, buying smarter, asking questions and thinking outside of the extremes. Have fun with it. Enjoy life. It’s just food, folks. We need it to live. It’s that simple.”
This article appears in Jun 1-30, 2010.