Gary in Floral takes work ethic to the highest level. Recently, he was sweeping the floor at days end, yet took the time to wrap up a floral gift for a friend's birthday. The Floral Department [at Woodbury] takes the time to make floral purchases a beautiful gift. Gary always greets people with a smile and great service. I shop here because of people like Gary. Bless you!
Sunday, December 25th
Dear Kowalski's,
I looked over your "No Postage Necessary" return card and thought that it was woefully inadequate to handle my remarks that I'd like to make concerning the Holiday Ham Dinner that I purchased at your Chicago Avenue Store... so, here's a letter.
First, my wife, Cindy, was the person that made the "call" and she got an absolute Christmas "ANGEL" on the phone... her name? Its 2 "S's"... I'm ashamed that I can't remember the name... Angels have a way of just being Angels...
The DINNER (Ham) was the LAST available Ham Dinner in the Store and for that matter anywhere in the South Metro...We live in Richfield... just a 10 minute drive to your Chicago store...
Secondly, this was a difficult time for me and for our family... The DINNER was an 11th hour decision... We were waiting to see if my daughter would be up for it. She has been in a long fight with her illness, Leukemia... had a bone marrow transplant in mid-September and it was discovered that the treatment had failed only a week ago... So sitting down at this sad time would be by her choice and She decided that we should do this... and we did...
The HOLIDAY HAM DINNER was purchased on Friday afternoon and our ANGEL told us that it would be comfortable and safe to store it in our car, in our garage overnight. She was absolutely correct. This is what we did.
EVERYTHING...and I mean EVERYTHING was so very "First Class"...easy instructions and NOTHING was MISSED... There were FIVE of us for DINNER so that a couple of us got to take some of the Left-Overs Home. We ALL were delighted with the HAM and the ease of preparation... while items were heating up we had a nice Holiday visit.
My daughter enjoyed ALL the food... She could taste everything which was no small blessing and the extra ingredients for the Spinach Salad and the Ham Glaze and the Wonderful Dessert made for a completely Marvelous Meal that we ALL enjoyed.
KOWALSKI'S helped turn a rather Sad Time into a Wonderful & Memorable HOLIDAY Dinner. Would we recommend a Kowalski's Dinner to someone...? You bet... This is the first time we've purchased a Holiday Dinner... We would consider this again... That's for sure! So, to our ANGEL and the Staff that put up our HOLIDAY HAM DINNER... GOD BLESS! And to KOWALSKI'S... a Happy & Prosperous NEW YEAR!
Mary Anne and Jim K., You should know:
On 12/22/11 I purchased $345.34 worth of shrimp, salmon and filet mignon from your WB store. It was ready on time and the quality that I expected, and always get from the WB meat men.
I had worked with butcher Troy and another man several days before who patiently listened to the size of the whole salmon that I wanted, the length of the filet and the approx. number of shrimp needed. I was not treated like some ditzy blond but received the respect that a K customer gets from all of your people at the WB store. When I picked up my order, they proudly showed me the filet and salmon to make sure it was what I needed.
You two and your daughter, Kris, should be proud of what works so well under your direction.
Oh, yes, thank you too for sharing the store's out of date or left overs with the WB Emergency Food Shelf. I am a volunteer there and can tell you that the ever increasing number of clients we serve appreciate each and every item.
Just wanted to let you know how impressed I was with Bob in produce at your Eagan location. He customized several fruit baskets for S&T Office Products a week before Christmas. They were beautiful and ready for me to pick up, exactly when Bob said they would be ready. I wanted you to know that your customer service in all your stores is noticed by me.
On Saturday, December 17th I stopped at your store to purchase a few items and decided to eat your awesome chicken wild rice soup in the dining area of your store, and had the delightful experience of hearing the wonderful choir singing Christmas carols while I enjoyed the soup. Thank you for providing such a wonderful experience for hungry, tired Christmas shoppers. It made my day!
We are visiting our son from UK at Christmas who now lives in Oakdale. We last visited in 2008 and one of the highlights of our last visit was a trip to Kowalski's! He knew that we would love the beautiful, tasteful atmosphere of your store and he was right. Your staff were so so helpful and friendly. I expect that I will have to do all the Christmas cooking whilst visiting and we shall DEFINITELY be visiting on Christmas eve as I shall need your help in order to get a little rest from the kitchen!!! Wish I could bundle you all up ad bring you back to the UK. God bless you all and thanks in grateful anticipation. SEE YOU SOON!
I am a small business owner of a manufacturing company started by my father in 1971. Fortunately for me, it is non-union. As one business owner to another I wanted to send my support your way. What you are going through with these union negotiations is in and of itself proof that the unions have lost their purpose. They have in fact become what they were created to prevent. I believe much of what they do is NOT, in the long run, in the best interest of their members. Defined Benefit plans have been proven over and over again to be unsustainable. For you to offer to "fully pay off our portion of the liability and offer our employees a new, well-funded 401(k) retirement plan" goes above and beyond and shows just how much Kowalski's actually cares for its employees. There is a reason much is changing in our country in regard to unions; I believe much of Main Street America gets it. As you continue to do what you feel is best for your employees AND your company, know that there are many of us out here that support you. The only suggestion I would have for you is to make sure you get as much information as you can out to your customers. Let us see what you have done, what you want to do for your employees, why you need to make changes.
My family has been loyal Kowalski's and Cub customers for many years, and we will continue to be.
Hi, I just wanted to compliment the store on their great service yesterday! I ran in for "just a bag of potatoes", found a great recipe in the foyer and then had to go on a search for a complimentary meat. Having entered the store in a pretty bad mood, I had no intention of striking up a conversation and just wanted to get back home. However, when I entered the meat department, I was greeted by Darryl. He was so friendly, genuine and helpful. I quickly found myself in a good mood after having such a positive interacton. In fact, I decided to keep walking around the store and ended up with a basket full of delicious food. I was greeted quickly by the cashier and it was nice that the older gentleman bagging my groceries insisted in carrying my groceries. The trip to your Woodbury store last night was extremely positive and I'm reminded of why I shop there.
My family and I recently visited 2 of your stores, one in Eden Prairie and the other in Eagan. We haven't shopped at your grocery before Honestly, we just stopped at the Eden Prairie store to get out of the heat during a soccer tournament. :-)
We were so impressed with the selection of products, in particular the wide variety of salad dressings! My Mom has a limited diet due to diabetes and kidney disease and has a tough time finding new food items to add flavor to her often bland choices. She walked out of there with a variety of 6 bottles and a smile.
I also stopped into the Eagan store after work one day looking for dinner ideas. The service at your deli was stellar and the wings and potatoes I took home were a hit!
So, thank you for the alternative to "big box" shopping, for stocking a wide variety of healthy foods and some pretty awesome employees!
I will definitely be stopping in again and again.
Peet's Coffee! Peet's Coffee in Kowalski's??!!! Joy beyond measure!
I love being a Minnesotan, but as a transplanted San Franciscan (17 years and counting), one thing I just couldn't get over is longing for a cup of Peet's Coffee. Thanks to Kowalski's I no longer have to! This new find, plus Alemar Cheese from my old SF friend Keith Adams and wonderful Genise at your OPH store, officially makes me your happiest customer ever.
Many thanks for all the goodness Kowalski's brings to my life. Seriously, I love your store...often the only sane & peaceful spot in my day w/ 4 kids and work.
On June 11, 2011, I held a special thank-you party for all my friends and associates who supported me during my two years of Nursing School. I wanted to enjoy the day so I purchased Kowalski deli trays and had everything delivered just a couple of hours before my guests started to arrive. Some of the trays I ordered were Belgian Endive, Mini Croissant, Sandwich Wrap, Signature Fruit, Chicken & Beef Satay, Sushi, and custom Mini Cupcakes. Everything was perfect!! I couldn’t have asked for anything more lovely to set out on my special day. I know everyone enjoyed the food because 35 people attended and there was hardly anything left over even though I purchased enough for 50! I received many compliments on the taste and appearance of everything and I was happy to say that Kowalski's created it all. The Sushi and Endive trays were particular hits but there was very little of anything left over, maybe 4 wraps, 2 mini croissants, and enough fruit for a small dish!
Anyway, the purpose of my note, in addition to complimenting Kowalski's on the service and quality food, is to express my gratitude to everyone at the Oak Park Heights store who helped to make this very special event so wonderful and successful. Whenever I shop at the store, I am always greeted warmly and receive great customer service in every department. I must admit, that although I am a frequent shopper, it is always nice to be remembered. It is a tribute to store and the culture of service that Kowalski's promotes. The management team must go out of their way to find, retain, and support their employees to make it all happen.
I am a local shopper and supporter of Kowalski's. I choose to shop at your stores because I appreciate the service and top notch products.
I want to thank you for the outstanding service that I frequently receive in the meat department. I didn't catch his name. But, there is a young man who works nights in your meat dept. When I see him there I know I can ask questions and he gives great advice. He has yet to do me wrong! His suggestions are always the best!!!
Please please thank him and reward his outstanding service he provides to your store. I always stop and buy something if he is working.
As a single woman I choose to pay a little extra to get a little extra and I frequently find this at your store.
Thank you to him and to the work you all do at Kowalski's!
I had the privilege of attending a Kowalski's new employee orientation on May 9th as an Opportunity Partners Job Coach for a new Stake Holder hired for your Uptown Store. I was much impressed by Tina, your HR Staff and Trainer, as she welcomed, oriented, and presented the Kowalski's philosophy and story.
It's exciting to see the corporate attitudes extend to every area of the organization - from the initial interview with Kyle all the way through.
Opportunity Partners is grateful for your willingness to see "beyond Kate's barriers" to allow another person with some challenges to employment become gainfully employed.
Thanks for your vision and commitment to the community!
Thank you. Thank you.
My brothers and I meet at the Eagan location once a month and we all end up shopping extensively. I usually get there at least one other time in the month.
Also, I am in Red Wing so I also frequent the Woodbury location. Whenever I am in the Cities (which is often) I try to make Kowalski's part of the journey.
Thanks for being there and providing such great service and quality products. You are the best!
And the honey! Oh my!
But, seriously, I love your store. Fabulous selection of packaged and prepared foods, beautiful produce and amazing service.
My family in Woodbury now joke that I don't really come up to MN to visit them, I come for a Kowalski's fix!
Our local markets, Schnucks and Dierbergs, are very good, but sadly neither comes close to matching your wide selection of just about everything. See you in June when I drop my son off for camp.
I want to sent a letter regarding the excellent service Steve at the White Bear Lake store gave me. I was looking for a product that you normally carry. It happened to be out at this particular store. I needed it by Friday morning. He tried to order it from the vendor, however the delivery was delayed one day. He had someone pick the product up at another store, deliver it to the store close to me and kept it in the office for me to pick up. He also kept me informed by phone so I knew what was going on and that he hadn't forgotten about me. I just want to give him the credit he deserves for some fantastic service.
My 100-year-old mother and I were shopping at your Eden Prairie store on July 27th. We had a pleasant conversation with a male employee in the produce department who, when I mentioned that my Mom was 100, was amazed. (She could easily pass for 80.) He said he had never spoken with anyone who was 100! Shortly afterwards, as we continued shopping, Mom was delightfully surprised to be presented with a $20 Kowalski gift certificate. She was thrilled.
We are so grateful for this extremely thoughtful gesture. It is, though, indicative of the exemplary courtesy of your employees - courtesy which reflects your family, your outstanding stores, your philosophy and management.
I frequently shop at your Lyndale store and Mom and I shop together at your Eden Prairie store. Mom still lives in her own condo and loves to grocery shop - especially in your beautiful stores. Since for 20 years she had a lovely gift shop in Hastings she is a great admirer of how artistically your store are presented.
The Twin Cities are very fortunate to have the Kowalski's!
Our most sincere thanks for the gift certificate.
I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful stores. I had written before to tell you how fond I am of Kowalski's on Lyndale Avenue. I live in New York City, but when I land in MPLS my first and last stop is always Kowalski's!! My family always knows where to find me! Your staff all knows me now and acknowledges me like a friend...they are great too! My favorite store! I'll be there again soon! Other people say OHH MPLS?? Go to the Mall of America!! I say Go to Kowalski's!!!! Thanks for being there for me!
Today, I was checking out at your store and thought I would again ask the cashier if anyone had turned in a silver earring and she looked in a drawer and found one but it was not mine.
David, the young man who packages the groceries, overheard me ask and said he recalled an earring fitting that description near the time clock for the employees and asked if he could go look. He comes back with my earring and it brought me to tears. I offered him a reward, but he said he could not accept it.
I don't know who initially turned in the earring and I am thankful for them, too. Kowalski's is fortunate to have an employee like David who is so honest. He really made my day! I wish there was something such as a gift card that I could give him to show my deep appreciation. Again, THANK YOU!!!!!
These two people, along with so many others - Kathy & CJ in the deli, Marlene S. and the Cheese Guy, the Meat Guys, the managers - do your store proud. It's important to me to spend money with locally owned businesses - and it's always a joy to spend it at Kowalski's just because of the OUTSTANDING customer service. My thanks to your team at the EP store - they truly make Kowalski's the place to shop. Make sure you keep them happy - happy employees make for happy customers - and I'm proof of that!
