Houchens Food Group’s Post

Last week, Houchens Food Group had the pleasure of hosting our second Kentucky and Tennessee SMAA events in Madisonville, KY. These gatherings are always a special opportunity to come together as a team, but this year, they hold even greater significance as we continue to dive deeper into our new mission statement, core values, and the 5 Rules that are shaping the future of HFG. We were honored to welcome Michael La Kier from IGA, INC., who shared his journey in the grocery industry with our store managers. His message was a powerful reminder of the resilience required in our business and provided words of encouragement for our leaders to carry with them when the challenges of retail grow tough. His insights resonated deeply with our teams, reinforcing the importance of leadership presence and staying grounded in purpose. A hallmark of every SMAA event is the opportunity to recognize and celebrate excellence across our stores. We were proud to present awards to several outstanding managers whose dedication to training, customer service, leadership, and merchandising is making a tangible impact in their stores and communities. And a special congratulations goes to John Pendley, who was named our Regional Store Manager of the Year, the day's top honor. John's leadership, commitment to his team, and focus on delivering an exceptional customer experience exemplify the very best of what HFG stands for. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended for their participation and support. These events affirm our commitment to empowering our people, serving our customers, and strengthening our communities. Thank you to our store managers for the passion and pride you bring to your roles every day. You are the heart of HFG.