Pepper’s Foods Picks Up Independent Grocer Award!
“Any time a local vendor or distributor approaches us with a local product,
we’re all ears and open to carrying their product,”
Image Credit: Jacob Zinn/News Staff
Oct 6, 2015 by Jacob Zinn – Saanich News
After 10 years, Pepper’s Foods made it back on the podium at the Independent Grocer Awards.
The Cadboro Bay grocery store took bronze in the small-surface category, which is open to grocery stores across Canada with less than 15,000 square feet of space. The award recognizes Pepper’s for its community engagement and ongoing efforts to serve customers in the area.
“This year is big for us because we’ve kind of gotten back into the mix,” said Scott Zaichkowsky, assistant grocery manager, adding that a decade ago, the small surface area capped at 10,000 square feet.
“We always competed in the smallest category, but they upped the size of it, so the competition has gotten larger. Bigger stores, bigger chains, so since then, we hadn’t really taken any awards home.”
Up through 2005, Pepper’s – which is only 4,000 square feet – medalled five times in six years at the Independent Grocer Awards in the same category. While the pool of competitors increased, Zaichkowsky said their latest win confirms that they’re doing something right.
“Ten years ago, when we had the smaller category, the competition wasn’t as intense. For us to come back 10 years later and establish ourselves… it’s a big honour for us, for sure,” he said.
For more than 30 years, Pepper’s has been owned by John Davits, with his son, Cory, working as general manager. Prior to that, the store was called Shop Easy and was owned by John Pepper, after whom Davits named the current store.
Zaichkowsky said the family-run Pepper’s has been a staple of Cadboro Bay and credited the store’s friendly staff and local products as a few of the reasons why the community has been so loyal to it.
“Any time a local vendor or distributor approaches us with a local product, we’re all ears and open to carrying their product,” he said.
“It’s always nice to be acknowledged. We’re excited by the fact that doing what we’re doing is getting such a great response.”
Grocery store in the heart of Cadboro Bay earns place
in the hearts of Victoria’s gluten-free community!
Pepper’s Foods has been bringing the best in local gluten free to customers in Cadboro Bay since 1962. They are proud to offer their customers an up-to-date gluten-free product list with a focus on local gluten-free manufacturers. Pepper’s Foods is committed to meeting our every need from fresh produce, meats and the very best in local gluten free!
Pepper’s Gluten-Free Product List or pick it up inside their doorway!
10% Student discount every day.
10% Seniors discount Tuesday/Wednesday
A bustling market just steps away from the University of Victoria and one of the largest playgrounds in Victoria, shop at Pepper’s Foods for a picnic, a barbecue or the gluten-free foods you need to sustain you week in and week out! Pepper’s offers Seniors’ discounts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and an every day, all day 10% student discount. A long-time supporter of the Canadian Celiac Association’s Annual Picnic, Pepper’s Foods’ is the very heart of Cadboro Bay!
Learn more about Pepper’s Foods
Awards
Weekly Specials
Gluten-Free Product List
Deliveries to Your Door
Gyro Park & Beach at Cadboro Bay
The legendary home of the “Cadborosaurus” sea serpent, Cadboro Bay is a partially protected bay with the kind of long, sandy beaches that make for sublime summer swimming, strolling and boating. The park has a replica of the Cadborosaurus creature, said to be a relative of the Loch Ness Monster. Caddy, as it is known, usually allows itself to be seen once or twice a year. Cadboro Bay’s beaches are well-equipped for family outings with picnic facilities, public washrooms and a children’s playground. Pack a snack from Pepper’s and enjoy!
