master-cooks | The Humble History Of Ingles Supermarket Chains

Ingles Markets, founded by Robert P. Ingle in 1963, began as a single store in Asheville, North Carolina. With a vision to provide quality products at affordable prices, Ingle's entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to customer service laid the foundation for the chain's growth. The store quickly gained popularity due to its emphasis on fresh produce and local products, a tradition that continues to be a hallmark of Ingles Markets. Over the years, the company expanded its footprint across the Southeastern United States, establishing a reputation for its community-oriented approach and commitment to regional suppliers. Ingles Markets grew steadily, with new locations and the introduction of innovative services, such as loyalty programs and in-store pharmacies, enhancing the shopping experience. Despite the increasing competition from national chains, Ingles maintained its unique appeal by focusing on customer satisfaction and local community engagement. The company's dedication to its roots and its agile adaptation to changing market conditions underscore its resilience. Ingles Markets remains a family-run business, with a strong presence in the region, continuing to honor its humble beginnings while embracing modern retail trends. The chain's ongoing success is a testament to its foundational values and commitment to serving its communities.

Despite massive growth, Ingles remains family-run

While the Ingles business is thriving today, generating billions in revenue in recent years, its early days were quite different. After launching the flagship store, Robert Ingle, his wife Laura, and a close circle of family and friends worked tirelessly, keeping the store open seven days a week and implementing various promotions, discounts, and strategies to attract customers. By the next year, their hard work paid off, allowing them to open a second store, followed by several more in 1967. The subsequent decades saw further expansion for the family business as they extended their reach beyond Asheville, opening locations across state lines.

In an era where mergers and acquisitions have claimed many once-small, family-owned brands, it is increasingly rare for a family-run business to endure. Robert Ingle's son, Robert "Bobby" Ingle II, is acutely aware of this reality. Residing in the Asheville area, "Bobby" Ingle holds 72% of the company's voting power, effectively placing him in charge of daily operations and ensuring the legacy of his late father's empire continues. As the chair of the board, Ingle shared his thoughts with The Asheville Watchdog about the family business, stating, "We've been fortunate to still be in it. [Many family-run grocery businesses have been] acquired by the Krogers of the world or have gone out of business."

The Humble History Of Ingles Supermarket Chains

Despite massive growth, Ingles remains family-run

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