GARRETT — LaGrange-based Miller’s Markets has acquired Garrett New Market at 1350 S. Randolph St.
“Miller’s is excited and proud to accept the opportunity to purchase the grocery in Garrett,” said Miller’s owner and president, Garry Miller.
He said plans call for extensive remodeling and freshening up the exterior and interior of the store, replacing most of the refrigeration, adding a hot foods department and changing the store layout for a better shopping experience.
“We look forward to being a part of the community,” Miller added.
Miller’s Markets was founded in 1958 in Wauseon, Ohio, by the late Joseph Miller. His son, Garry, began working for his father as a teenager and took control of his own store in LaGrange in 1973.
As opportunities arose, the Millers purchased stores in smaller communities in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana and put a management team in place. Current locations include LaGrange, Rome City and Nappanee in Indiana; Battle Creek, Michigan; and Montpelier, Genoa, Clyde, New London and Lodi in Ohio. All stores are supplied primarily by SuperValu, based in Fort Wayne.
Garry Miller’s children, Jennifer, Joe and Mike, joined the company several years ago to assume greater management authority. Third-generation grocers Joe and Mike are vice presidents with the company.
The former Foodland Market in Garrett, owned and operated by Tom Caprino of Marion, Ohio, was built in 1965. The 7,000-square-foot building now houses the NAPA auto store on South Randolph Street.
In April 1981, Caprino opened the doors to a new, 11,500-square-foot Caprino Foods store just north of the original site, built at a reported cost of $1 million.
The store later became Lance’s SuperValu and Garrett New Market.
Chris Hoeffel, who has managed Lance’s and New Market for 21 years, will manage Miller’s Market in Garrett.