E.W. James & Sons Supermarkets

What are you doing to prepare for the Big One (whatever that is)

A Facebook connection between a grocer and supplier has turned into a business partnership, as Union City, Tenn.-based E.W. James and Sons will be the first grocer in the country to offer “Cops Coffee” from Claire, Mich.-based Cops and Doughnuts.

Execs from Ahold USA; Laurel Grocery, WinCo; Northgate Gonzalez Market; Albertsons, LLC; Potash Bros.; Mollie Stone's Markets; and Kings Super Market are chosen.

UNION CITY, Tenn. -- Family-owned regional chain E.W. James & Sons here is closing the last of its supermarkets in Lexington, Ky., just 28 months after it entered the market, according to a report in the Lexington Herald-Leader.

For grocers willing to make the commitment, homespun state-sponsored agricultural marketing programs can rack up good will and good sales.