(Jan. 19, 2017) About a year ago TJ Patel began the process of upgrading Snow Hill’s grocery store, the Food Rite — though still known colloquially as the IGA — to include a host of new goods including gluten-free, organic and non-GMO products.
On the other side of the health craze, Patel said he recently added Krispy Kreme donuts as well.
“It took almost four years to get Krispy Kreme to come,” he said. “I’m trying to get a Redbox too, but they look at the ZIP code 21863 and see 1,250 people.”
Larger, national brands often have their own measurements indicating the probability for success in a given area. Those metrics keep popular stores away from Worcester communities partly because of population, and partly because of the seasonal nature of the county’s economy.
Still, Patel has even more improvements in mind.
“I’d like to do seafood in the back — no one has it around here,” he said. “The watermen come here in the morning to get gas, so I might as well get it from them. I always try to go local for supplies,” he said.
Patel said he would like to offer clams and shrimp — items that could easily be steamed and put out for sale, although this addition is still in the idea phase.
“I’m committed to my people here in Snow Hill,” Patel said, though he’s had offers from other municipalities to bring his services there too. “We’re doing really good, and the people don’t have to drive to Salisbury or Pocomoke.”
In fact, sometimes it’s just the opposite.
“People come up here from Pocomoke, grab their five items and go,” he said. “It’s faster and more convenient than the other options there.”
Because of necessity, Patel said he sometimes ends up shopping at other grocery stores, like many residents in southern Worcester County. He finds the delays there unacceptable and strives to ensure fast, effective service.
“I’m open 365 days a year,” he said.
Patel employs a staff of 18 full and part time, in addition to his family members. His father, Yogi, his mother, Kanak, wife Bijal and sister Janki Patel all work at the grocery or adjoining liquor store.
“I’m always here,” he said.
Patel said he found Snow Hill during trips to the beach while his family was working at Yogi’s liquor store in Harrington, Delaware.
“Pocomoke was too big with too many cars. Snow Hill is a nice, quiet peaceful town, and it takes me two minutes to get to work in the morning,” he said.
On the other side of the health craze, Patel said he recently added Krispy Kreme donuts as well.
“It took almost four years to get Krispy Kreme to come,” he said. “I’m trying to get a Redbox too, but they look at the ZIP code 21863 and see 1,250 people.”
Larger, national brands often have their own measurements indicating the probability for success in a given area. Those metrics keep popular stores away from Worcester communities partly because of population, and partly because of the seasonal nature of the county’s economy.
Still, Patel has even more improvements in mind.
“I’d like to do seafood in the back — no one has it around here,” he said. “The watermen come here in the morning to get gas, so I might as well get it from them. I always try to go local for supplies,” he said.
Patel said he would like to offer clams and shrimp — items that could easily be steamed and put out for sale, although this addition is still in the idea phase.
“I’m committed to my people here in Snow Hill,” Patel said, though he’s had offers from other municipalities to bring his services there too. “We’re doing really good, and the people don’t have to drive to Salisbury or Pocomoke.”
In fact, sometimes it’s just the opposite.
“People come up here from Pocomoke, grab their five items and go,” he said. “It’s faster and more convenient than the other options there.”
Because of necessity, Patel said he sometimes ends up shopping at other grocery stores, like many residents in southern Worcester County. He finds the delays there unacceptable and strives to ensure fast, effective service.
“I’m open 365 days a year,” he said.
Patel employs a staff of 18 full and part time, in addition to his family members. His father, Yogi, his mother, Kanak, wife Bijal and sister Janki Patel all work at the grocery or adjoining liquor store.
“I’m always here,” he said.
Patel said he found Snow Hill during trips to the beach while his family was working at Yogi’s liquor store in Harrington, Delaware.
“Pocomoke was too big with too many cars. Snow Hill is a nice, quiet peaceful town, and it takes me two minutes to get to work in the morning,” he said.