Baker’s selling Scio, Sugarcreek, and Newcomerstown stores

Baker’s Management, Inc. is announcing the sale of the Baker’s IGA locations in Scio, Sugarcreek, and Newcomerstown. The three Baker’s stores will be purchased by Riesbeck’s Food Markets, during a staggered transition period from June thru October of 2021.

“Terrie and I have contemplated this decision for three years,” said Baker’s IGA President Gary Baker. “When do we step back and take it easy, when do we ‘retire’ from the grocery business? I’ve been in the business all my life. I went on the payroll at age 11 in 1964. Terrie joined the company shortly after we married in 1978. Between us that make 100 years in the business. How do you decide when to end the run of a three generation 103 year old family grocery business? It was a bittersweet decision.”

In 2018 the Bakers began to discuss just how to do it, what life would look like after Bakers IGA. In 2019 they met with a few potential buyers. Then 2020 and COVID, no one was buying or selling. So 2021 seems like the right year.

“We want to travel, to spend more time in our Florida home,” Gary said. “We want to enjoy time with our four grandsons all between ages 8 and 10 in San Antonio and Grand Rapids. In less than a decade they’ll be finishing high school and moving on to the next step in their lives. This is the right time, the right decision for us. We have given our lives to the grocery business and it has been good to us. I have honored my father and grandfather’s legacy and I know they would be proud.”

Riesbeck’s is looking forward to continuing to serve customers in Scio, Sugarcreek, and Newcomerstown.

“The Baker’s locations have been part of these local communities for many years and we are pleased to continue in their tradition of providing service and value to customers of these areas,” said Riesbeck’s President Richard Riesbeck. “We look forward to retaining the Baker’s employees and current major vendors, in addition to bringing our own brand of homemade bakery and deli products that we believe customers will enjoy.”

Gary added, “we are pleased to transition our stores over to another great regional grocer with the same high standards of service, quality products and savings. We can think of no better fit for these three Bakers locations than the Reisbeck Family.”

Terrie, who serves as Baker’s vice president, indicated that it has been an amazing 43 year journey in the food business for her. “Gary and I want to thank all our wonderful customers who have supported us over the years as well as the great employees who have worked so hard to provide a great shopping experience.”

The Mount Vernon store will continue to operate under the Bakers IGA banner.

Category: Business