Fred’s to become Mackenthun’s Fine Foods

Starting Monday morning, Sept. 26, residents in Montgomery and Lonsdale will see a change in their grocery stores when those stores change owners over the weekend.

When Fred’s Market Place Foods stores close on Sunday at 6 p.m., they will reopen on Monday morning at 7 a.m. under the name Mackenthun’s Fine Foods. The Waconia-based company will officially take over the two stores from grocer Fred Braegelmann, who has built a successful business with clean stores, friendly service and quality food.

In a phone interview on Tuesday, Jaime Mackenthun [Mackentune] said they have been talking with Braegelmann for a while about purchasing the two grocery locations. Mackenthun said they were interested in growing their business, and when the markets in Lonsdale and Montgomery aligned with their business, they made the purchase.

He said customers will notice some changes immediately. In Lonsdale, a new sign will be installed on Tuesday, Sept. 27. In Montgomery, the sign will be installed at a later date, but a banner will cover the familiar “Fred’s” name when the store opens.

Another change people will see immediately will be the addition of a service deli with meats and cheeses in the Lonsdale location and a larger presence of fresh produce and bakery items in both stores. 

Other changes include fresh paint and signage, and the addition of more employees for the “fresh” and “prepared” departments.

“The complete reset won’t be done for a while,” Mackenthun said.

He added the company’s award-winning meat department and homemade sausage, which have won national acclaim under the Mackenthun label, will also be present in both stores. According to its website, the "old world" flavor and quality of Mackenthun's homemade sausages goes back to 1917. 

The mission of Mackenthun’s is to provide customers with an exceptional food experience, while continuing to be involved in their communities and dedicated to the fair and honest treatment of their employees and suppliers. The store will be supplied by Supervalu, Inc. and will include the brand “Essential Everyday” to its product line.

Braegelmann has owned the Montgomery store since 1996 when it was located in the building that houses Center Stage Dance and Snap Fitness. He built the new store in 1999 and the Lonsdale store 11 years ago. He has always appreciated his customers and has fliers in the stores thanking them for their years of support. He also thanks his employees for their hard work.

“I would like to thank the customers who have supported us for 20 years and the employees, especially the long-term employees,” he said. “The stores will be in good hands with Mackenthuns.”

A grand opening is planned for the end of October.

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