Sobeys Kincardine owner welcomes crowd to grand re-opening of newly-renovated store

Amid much fanfare, excitement and the sound of the bagpipes, owner Tania Konigshofer and her staff welcomed a crowd and several dignitaries to the grand re-opening of the newly-renovated Sobeys Kincardine store, Thursday morning.

Nolan King of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band played the pipes as people gathered for the official ceremony.



Nolan King of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band pipes at the start of the ribbon-cutting at the newly-renovated Sobeys Kincardine store, Thursday morning

Shawn Showers, district operator for Sobeys Inc., thanked everyone who assisted with the renovation over the past four months, and praised Konigshofer and her team for their hard work and dedication.

"It's not an easy task," he said. "Thank you to the employees and the construction crew. It certainly was worth it - look at how beautiful this store is now. We did it!"

He said the renovations included the creation of a show-stopping produce section for customers when they walk in the door, a new oven in the bakery, a new cake case, and a distinctive deli and hot/cold meal replacement area.

"We have a fryer now," said Showers, "so, we can make amazing popcorn chicken poutine! The refresh has made this store even more warm and inviting."

He urged everyone to check out the store and say hello to the "Sobeysaurus" which was handing out free gift cards.

Konigshofer thanked her staff and managers for supporting her since she took over the franchise last summer.

"This past year has been a wonderful journey," she said. "I'm privileged to be leading this incredible group of people. This store is now officially ours!"

She thanked Showers for his guidance and assistance throughout the renovation, and she thanked her family for the amazing support over her many years in retail.

"I remember when I worked my first shift at Sobeys," said Konigshofer. "I was 15 years old. When my parents picked me up, I said that one day I was going to own my own store. After 26 years, I've achieved that goal. Thank you to my family for all your love and support.

"This renovation has been quite an experience. Thank you to everyone who helped us out."

Kincardine deputy mayor Mike Hinchberger, on behalf of the municipality, presented a certificate of recognition to Konigshofer and her team, and wished her success in this next chapter.



Kincardine deputy mayor Mike Hinchberger (right) presents a certificate of recognition to Sobeys Kincardine owner Tania Konigshofer (second from left), with district operator Shawn Showers (left), and assistant store manager Dean Jubinville

Jaye Boyer, president, and Jason Munro, vice-president, of the Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce, also presented a certificate, and congratulated Konigshofer on the successful renovation.



Tania Konigshofer (centre), Sobeys Kincardine owner, accepts a certificate from the Kincardine and District Chamber of Commerce, represented by president Jaye Boyer (left) and vice-president Jason Munro (right); with them, are Shawn Showers (second from left), and assistant store manager Dean Jubinville

Konigshofer then presented a $1,000 donation to Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Bruce North Huron, and a $1,000 donation to the Kincardine Food Bank.



Sobeys district operator Shawn Showers (left), Sobeys Kincardine owner Tania Konigshofer and assistant store manager Dean Jubinville present a $1,000 donation to Lorrie Alexander and Jane Calcutt of the Kincardine Food Bank



Sobeys district operator Shawn Showers (left), Sobeys Kincardine owner Tania Konigshofer and assistant store manager Dean Jubinville present a $1,000 donation to Deirdre Carroll, executive director of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of South Bruce North Huron

The ceremony ended with the ribbon-cutting by Konigshofer and her family, and a second one with her staff.



Sobeys Kincardine owner Tania Konigshofer (second from right, with ribbon) is joined by Shawn Showers (right), district operator, and her staff in the official ribbon-cutting and grand re-opening of the store, Thursday morning



Sobeys Kincardine owner Tania Konigshofer (second from right) is joined by Shawn Showers (right), district operator, and her family, Colten Wallace (left), Tracy and Joe Konigshofer, Tamara Konigshofer, Rori and Shelby Wallace, in cutting the ribbon on the grand re-opening of the store

The doors were then opened to the public as everyone was invited to check out the store, and enjoy free samples, live music and special offers.

The Sobeys Kincardine store is located at 814 Durham Street, east of Highway 21. It is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days per week. For more information, call 519-395-0022 or visit www.sobeys.com/stores/sobeys-kincardine.