No Frills Acquires Kaiman's Supermarket
OMAHA, Neb. -- No Frills Supermarkets, based here, is poised to finalize a purchase agreement for Glenwood, Iowa-based Kaiman's Supermarket, whose owners, Jerry and Harold Kaiman, previously announced plans to retire.
"No Frills will provide a strong, thriving grocery store for the community, and enable Glenwood to retain the sense of identity which comes from having a locally operated grocery store," said Fred Witecy, No Frills' president. Witecy said brothers Jerry and Harold Kaiman will remain at the store at least through 2007, and have been invited to stay on longer. He said the Kaiman's Supermarket sign would also continue to grace the storefront, just as it has for the past 85 years, while a small No Frills sign will be added beneath the existing signage.
The grocery store will remain at 423 Sharp Street, across from the courthouse, for at least one to two years, said Witecy. No Frills has also purchased a 14-acre piece of land from the Kaiman brothers. The property is located on southern edge of Glenwood, near U.S. Highway 34. Plans for a larger, complete grocery store are being developed. "We're very grateful that Jerry and Harold have agreed to stay with us for the next year, or even longer. We have a lot of people to meet and get to know, and we need strong community relationships before we build the new store."
Witecy said his company plans to invest more than $5 million in the new location, which will include a large deli, bakery, and service meat counter. Personal carryout service will continue.
"This is good for our community and our associates," said Jerry Kaiman. "Glenwood is growing and ready for a new store with the kind of amenities that No Frills can offer. Our customers will appreciate that. You never take a customer for granted. I like it that No Frills' philosophy is much the same."
In 1921 the Kaimans' grandfather Morris opened the store in the heart of Glenwood. His
sons, Robert and Louis, eventually took over the store. Robert's sons, Jerry and Harold, took over their father's share of the business in the spring of 1967. When their uncle, Louis, retired in 1976, they bought the remaining share of the business.
With 16 supermarkets in Nebraska and Iowa, No Frills has greatly expanded customer conveniences since it first opened in 1980.
"No Frills will provide a strong, thriving grocery store for the community, and enable Glenwood to retain the sense of identity which comes from having a locally operated grocery store," said Fred Witecy, No Frills' president. Witecy said brothers Jerry and Harold Kaiman will remain at the store at least through 2007, and have been invited to stay on longer. He said the Kaiman's Supermarket sign would also continue to grace the storefront, just as it has for the past 85 years, while a small No Frills sign will be added beneath the existing signage.
The grocery store will remain at 423 Sharp Street, across from the courthouse, for at least one to two years, said Witecy. No Frills has also purchased a 14-acre piece of land from the Kaiman brothers. The property is located on southern edge of Glenwood, near U.S. Highway 34. Plans for a larger, complete grocery store are being developed. "We're very grateful that Jerry and Harold have agreed to stay with us for the next year, or even longer. We have a lot of people to meet and get to know, and we need strong community relationships before we build the new store."
Witecy said his company plans to invest more than $5 million in the new location, which will include a large deli, bakery, and service meat counter. Personal carryout service will continue.
"This is good for our community and our associates," said Jerry Kaiman. "Glenwood is growing and ready for a new store with the kind of amenities that No Frills can offer. Our customers will appreciate that. You never take a customer for granted. I like it that No Frills' philosophy is much the same."
In 1921 the Kaimans' grandfather Morris opened the store in the heart of Glenwood. His
sons, Robert and Louis, eventually took over the store. Robert's sons, Jerry and Harold, took over their father's share of the business in the spring of 1967. When their uncle, Louis, retired in 1976, they bought the remaining share of the business.
With 16 supermarkets in Nebraska and Iowa, No Frills has greatly expanded customer conveniences since it first opened in 1980.