Help Save the Butchers Timeline
Independent supermarket ownership
Bob became an independent supermarket operator in Willimantic. Meat became one of the store's defining strengths.
Help Save the Butchers begins
HSTB was created to make customers more aware of fresh cutting, knowledgeable butchers, custom service and a distinct meat-department identity.
IGA recognition
Bob's published industry biography identifies him as an IGA Retailer of the Year for 2009.
“Saving the Butchers”
Bob's Progressive Grocer Independent article explained the thinking behind HSTB and dated the beginning of the program to 2000.
Progressive Grocer Independent — Independent Meat Department of the Year
Progressive Grocer Independent magazine named Bob's Windham IGA its 2013 Independent Meat Department of the Year. That same year Bob's “Your Best Foot Forward” column continued the HSTB message about knowledgeable employees, professional presentation and consistently promoting an independent store's strengths.
Retailer presentation
HSTB presentations emphasized quality product, qualified help, good presentation, consistency, service atmosphere and unique marketing.
Bob's Butcher & Basket
The basic butcher philosophy continues through direct customer access, custom cutting, whole primals, bulk buying and real answers.