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“There is always a hesitancy to do it because of our close proximity to Rochester,” said Eyota Mayor Wes Bussell.
Two local businessmen, Bob Vondal and Al Schumann, are planning to open Bob’s Eyota Market in August.
While a grocery store can become a key part of a small community’s identity, it’s been hard for cities near Rochester to keep those stores open. For example, Stewartville’s lone grocery store, Boyums Economart, closed in October. City officials are now considering using tax incentives to lure a grocer downtown.
Grocery stores in these cities can succeed, but it’s tough, said Dave Conrad, director of Augsburg College’s MBA program in Rochester. To compete with the big-box retailers, grocers need to focus on two things: relationships and service.
“If (these small grocery stores) get into a price war, they’ll get killed,” Conrad said. “They have to rely on the two best things that they can. That is getting as close to the customer as they can and, number two, offering unparalleled advice, service and education with a friendly spirit.”
Those are among the qualities that Vondal said he plans to push when his 15,000-square-foot store opens its doors. A major focus will be promoting the store’s deli and fresh produce, along with its bakery, Vondal said. The bakery will feature kuchen — a German coffee cake made with sweet dough, custard and sliced fresh fruit.
