Local Grocery Store Partners with Large Corporation | Video

Jennifer Joas | 4/2/2012

Changes are on the horizon for a long-standing company in western North Dakota. JK Foods started as three grocery stores and a floral shop, but it`s partnering with a Minnesota based company that owns more than 90 retail locations across the Midwest.

JK Foods was founded 30 years ago by Mike Kraft, and became one of the two major grocery stores operating in Williston. Over those past 30 years, the company has built Williston`s Economart, Stanley Food Pride, Tioga Food Pride and Country Floral in Williston.

But with the added pressure from the increased population, JK Foods founder Mike Kraft started looking for help.

"Helping harness the development of Williston and the surrounding area. So I needed a partner to help me with that. It was getting to be a big load," said Mike Kraft, JK Foods Founder.

That is why Kraft approached Coborn`s Incorporated, an employee-owned retail company in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Coborn`s owns 45 grocery stores and other delivery services across the Midwest.

"We could not have been more pleased that we were asked to talk and eventually we worked out this partnership which we are excited to be a part of," said Chris Coborn, Coborn`s Incorporated President and CEO.

This partnership means better service to customers. Now, companies will have better technology and access to trade secrets to improve shipments and help companies hold on to employees.

Managers say this newly formed partnership will not have an impact on any of their employees.

"Every one of Mike`s employees today will continue to serve an important role, a necessarily role in this partnership. So we do not expect any change," said Coborn.

Despite the partnership, management of the stores and suppliers will not change.

Coborn`s owns Cashwise stores in Bismarck and Fargo, with another location opening in Jamestown.

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