CUTTING THE RIBBON — Brad Boyer, the new manager of G&W Foods in Independence, prepares to cut the ribbon during the Independence Chamber of Commerce’s ceremony Friday afternoon at the store’s location. On hand were district manager Chris O’Hara and regional supervisor, Tom True. The community was invited to join in the celebra- tion with hot dogs, ice cream and cake. Kassie Sanderson | Staff Photo
CUTTING THE RIBBON — Brad Boyer, the new manager of G&W Foods in Independence, prepares to cut the ribbon during the Independence Chamber of Commerce’s ceremony Friday afternoon at the store’s location. On hand were district manager Chris O’Hara and regional supervisor, Tom True. The community was invited to join in the celebra- tion with hot dogs, ice cream and cake. Kassie Sanderson | Staff Photo
G&W Foods was eagerly accepted by the Independence Chamber of Commerce who hosted an honorary ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday with the store’s employees and supportive community. G&W Foods purchased Marvin’s Food Saver recently, but the ribbon cutting ceremony offered residents an opportunity to meet the store manager, Brad Boyer; regional supervisor, Tom True; and director of operations, Chris O’Hara, who cooked up hot dogs for those in attendance. “We wanted to give back to our customers, and why not do it during the ribbon cutting?” O’Hara smiled. “We’re just very glad to be here.” Lisa Wilson, Chamber president, along with fellow members, presented the store’s officials with a plaque and celebrated the cutting of the bright red ribbon. “We’ve always been envious of other towns that have G&W stores, and now we don’t have to be,” she said. “The Chamber will help you in any way we can and we are thrilled to have you here.” O’Hara spoke next, allowing employees to introduce themselves and their titles within G&W. “I don’t know who’s more excited,” he laughed. “We’re very pleased to be here and we’ve talked about coming here for a long time. We still have a long way to go, but we are blessed with good people. That’s something you learn quick in this business — it’s hard to find good people, but here, we have a great group that will serve the community to the best of their abilities, all while providing the best service and products you can’t find elsewhere.” True, who has been working in the grocery industry for 15 years, agreed on the sentiment. “I grew up in this business, and what Chris says is true. We brought Brad from our Neodesha store here so he can be close to home,” True said. “He knows the area and knows the people. We want to be on that level.” The community was invited to check out the store’s products, and after being served hot dogs, enjoy ice cream and cake to help G&W celebrate the special moment in the grocery’s history.