RED WING, MN (January 7, 2022) – Koplin’s Village Market is celebrating its 75th anniversary by offering a week of specials starting January 15th. This Red Wing full service, family-owned grocery store has been serving the community since 1947.
Family grocers focus on customers
Grandchildren of a founder own and manage the store located in downtown Red Wing. “We grew up in the grocery store and learned all aspects of the business from an early age,” says Owner Cheryl Koplin. “Many family members have worked at the store over the years. Our family has been focused on feeding families since 1947.Obviously things have changed over the years, but our mission has not. We were known for having the first retail parking lot when most stores were located within neighborhoods. We were also the first air-conditioned retail store in Red Wing.
“We’ve been able to survive the arrival of big box grocery stores by providing personalized service for our loyal customers. Our meat counter brings many people in then they pick up other items to complete their meal. Our shredded beef, Koplin Burger, helps create an easy, high protein meal for busy families or singles who want a quick, warm sandwich.
“A recent customer said Koplin’s is large enough to serve you but small enough to know you. And we have to agree.”
Cheryl explained, “We’ve been fortunate to work with some of the hardest working employees around. They’ve really come through for us over the years and now, especially through the pandemic. Our employees accommodated the needs of our customers during in a challenging time.”
Supports other local businesses
Cheryl’s brother Cory Koplin serves as the store’s manager and shares the family passion to support other local businesses. He initiated a recent collaboration resulting in the popular Remmler brats using Red Wing Brewery’s Remmler’s Royal brew that was brewed on Koplin’s current site for decades. Cory frequently provides creative inspiration for Koplin’s popular selection of flavorful in-house brats and sausages. He and his brother Rick developed most of the signature recipes.
“We like working with local companies to support them and their products,” explained Cory Koplin. Koplin’s carries many local products including Sturdiwheat mixes, Hanisch Bakery items, Knudsen’s Caramels and Singing Rooster Coffee, roasted in Hager City, WI.
Looking back and moving forward
Cheryl & Cory’s grandfather Julius Koplin and uncle Calvin Johnson started Corner Grocery in 1947 after Cal Johnson and his wife Bette (Koplin) heard the corner store at 7th and Plum was available. Johnson convinced his father-in-law to become business partners. With money saved from selling groceries, eggs, hunting, trapping and fishing, Koplin moved his family to Red Wing. As the business grew, it purchased adjacent properties and the building expanded. Corner Grocery’s customers enjoyed free customer parking – a popular and new perk. Grocery delivery was implemented to ease congestion within the store’s aisle and provide convenience to busy homemakers. As the founders eyed retirement, their sons Robert Koplin and Mike Johnson took over management responsibilities, continued the growth, changed the name to Corner Red Owl and added stores in Bay City, WI and Burnside, MN. When siblings Rick and Cheryl Koplin and Julie Glander purchased the store with their father in 1997, the store moved to its current Bush Street location and the name was changed to Koplin’s Village Market. Bob Koplin continued to stop in the store frequently and catch up with long-time customers until he passed in 2020. At that time, Cheryl took over ownership and it became a woman-owned business.
Cheryl explained her vision for the store’s future, “We want to create a place where everyone feels welcome. It’s not just about food, it’s about connection and community.” Koplin’s remains committed to quality and value while continuing to enhance the customer experience. In addition to its regular staffed checkout counter, a convenient self-check stand is coming this spring for customers who prefer that option.
Did you know?
- Koplin’s makes more than 15,000 pounds of Koplin Burger (shredded, seasoned beef) each year. Enjoy other convenient Koplin’s pre-cooked meat options – shredded, seasoned chicken, shredded pork, shredded turkey and taco meat
- Koplin’s makes gourmet brats in-house. They offer 30 varieties in-stock daily.
- Koplin’s is a woman-owned business
- Greeting cards, puzzles and specialty gifts are available for last-minute shopping
- Koplin’s in-house stuffed pork chops are an effortless way to make a gourmet meal at home
- You can find lefse year-round at Koplin’s
- Koplin’s has been a local source for funeral lunches and cold catering for many years.
- Meat can be special ordered and cut to order. Koplin’s meat counter includes grilling favorites, steaks, ribs, bacon and deli meat
- Koplin’s grinds its own hamburger and sausage. Koplin’s meat doesn’t include antibiotics or growth hormones
- Customers flocked to Koplin’s to purchase toilet paper during the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic. Word spread quickly when the shelves were stocked.
- Years ago, customers could bring in their eggs and exchange them for store credit
- Party trays, graduation party, family reunion and special event food can be ordered in advance at Koplin’s Village Market
- Koplin’s offers deer processing for deer harvested in Minnesota
“Customers tell us they enjoy our personalized service ,” explained Cheryl. “We love our regulars and hope more people give us a try. Come celebrate our 75th anniversary with us.”
Koplin’s Village Market is open daily. Monday – Saturday 8 am – 6:30 pm and Sundays 9 am – 6 pm at 401 Bush Street in Red Wing.
About Koplin’s Village Market:
Koplin’s Village Market is a locally-owned grocery store conveniently located in downtown Red Wing. This full-service, family-owned grocery store has served the community for 75 years. Learn more at Koplinsmarket.com.
Koplin’s 75th Anniversary Specials
Koplin’s Village Market is celebrating by offering a week of specials to its customers starting January 15th through January 22nd. Visit Koplin’s Village Market on Facebook for the latest specials.
- Drawing for 75 bags of free groceries, three $75 gift cards, a 15 quart premium cooler and other prizes
- Hanisch Bakery White Bread, 75 cents per loaf, while supplies last on Tues, Wed, Thurs
- 75 cents per pound country style spareribs
- Buy One Get One free Koplin’s beef sticks