Monthly updates from your Store Manager, Rachel Sanchez
One thing I’ve come to appreciate while helping build Kennett Community Grocer is just how many moving parts are involved before a single product ever reaches a shelf.
A large part of my work has focused on building relationships with producers across the region and guiding them through the application and approval process for KCG.
What started as a spreadsheet of potential vendors slowly turned into emails, phone calls, applications, Department of Health approvals, onboarding documents, and ongoing conversations. Along the way, I’ve connected with farms, bakeries, coffee roasters, artists, ceramicists, specialty food makers, and small businesses that all bring something unique to the future store.
One of the things I’ve enjoyed most is watching the personality of KCG begin to take shape through the people and products coming together. Every approved producer adds another piece to the picture.
At the same time, there has been an entirely different layer of work happening behind the scenes. In between producer outreach and approvals, I’ve been helping make decisions about store counters, checkout and terminal equipment, shelving, supplies, and operational needs. Some days involve reviewing licenses and insurance documents. Other days involve building supply lists that include everything from refrigerator thermometers and step stools to staff t-shirts and toilet paper.
It has given me a much deeper appreciation for how many details go into building a grocery store from scratch. Every system, every supplier, every producer, and every decision has to come together piece by piece before the doors can open.
As the store moves closer to construction and opening, it feels exciting to step back and see how much progress has been made.
None of this work would be possible without the support of our community, member-owners, donors, volunteers, and supporters who continue to believe in what Kennett Community Grocer can become.
