On November 8, Skogen’s Festival Foods made its grand entrance into the Minneapolis-St. Paul market with the opening of its newest store in Hudson, Wisconsin. Located at 1616 Crest View Drive, this store marks Festival Foods’ first venture into St. Croix County, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the region.
Festival Foods has established a reputation for providing a unique shopping experience, and the Hudson location is no exception. Customers can expect a wide range of grocery staples, household essentials, and fresh products sourced from the from-scratch bakery and service deli counter. Notably, the store features a variety of innovative food solutions, including sushi, stir-fry, gourmet popcorn, hot cookies, and grab-and-go items available from the in-store Picadeli salad bar.
A standout addition to this location is the new dry-aged beef case, which is designed to appeal to meat aficionados looking for high-quality cuts. Additionally, a co-located Caribou Coffee station enhances the shopping experience by providing fresh coffee options for customers on the go. With 190 associates staffing the store, it operates daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., ensuring ample opportunity for residents and visitors to shop at their convenience.
Andy Kopf, the store director, expressed enthusiasm about the store’s opening, stating, “We are ecstatic here at Skogen’s Festival Foods to be given the opportunity to provide Hudson and the surrounding area with something that we value above all else – an enjoyable shopping experience.” This sentiment highlights the company’s focus not just on products, but also on the overall customer experience. To support this, Festival Foods offers Click N Go online shopping with convenient store pickup, aiming to streamline the shopping journey for its customers.
Community engagement is another cornerstone of Festival Foods’ philosophy. As part of its introduction to Hudson, the company has committed to charitable contributions, supporting local organizations such as Operation HELP and the Hudson Area Backpack Program. These initiatives focus on addressing food and financial security for residents. Festival Foods has also partnered with WK Kellogg Co. to support Hudson Middle School athletics through Kellogg’s Mission Tiger program, underscoring its commitment to the community’s future as well as its present.
Mark Skogen, the president and CEO of Festival Foods, articulated the company’s approach to community service: “It’s an honor to give back to all of the communities we serve, including our newest community of Hudson.” The company employs over 8,000 full- and part-time associates across its 42 full-service supermarkets located throughout Wisconsin, demonstrating significant investment in local economies.
The grocery landscape in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area is competitive, with numerous options available to consumers. However, Festival Foods differentiates itself through its array of services, community engagement, and a commitment to quality products. The company ranks No. 94 on Progressive Grocer’s 2024 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America (“The PG 100”), cementing its position in the broader retail market. This strategic expansion not only brings a new shopping experience to the Hudson community but also enhances Festival Foods’ commitment to growth in the Midwest.
In conclusion, the opening of Festival Foods’ new store in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area represents a significant step for both the company and the community it serves. By combining a diverse product offering with a focus on customer experience and community support, Festival Foods is well-positioned for success in its newest market.
