Jensen's Foods, a staple in the Northdale Shopping Center since 1959, is closing its doors. The family-owned grocery store, long squeezed by the competition, is clearing its shelves and prepping to launch a fresh, albeit smaller, concept in Champlin.
"It really has been a struggle here being sandwiched between two Cub (Foods) Stores," Jennifer Washburn, the current owner and daughter of founder George Jensen, disclosed in a statement obtained by the City of Coon Rapids. The neighborhood favorite has faced tough competition, influencing the decision to transition to a new market.
Washburn, alongside her partner Corbin, has shepherded the 10,000-square-foot store since 1991 but is now setting her sights on Champlin, where they and the rest of their family reside. "We all live in Champlin so we decided this was the time to move and come up with a new concept," she elaborated.
The new venture, Jensen's Market, will scale down to an intimate 2,000-square-foot space. It plans to concentrate on fresh produce, a bakery, deli, and meats—hallmarks of the Jensen's brand—that have ingratiated it to its customer base. In a twist, the market will also play barista to its shoppers, adding coffee drinks to its repertoire. "So our new store, the concept will be all fresh bakery, deli, meat and fresh produce," Washburn said, according to the same City of Coon Rapids release. Construction is set to wrap up with the new store expected to open in June.
Max Washburn, representing the fourth generation, looks set to inherit the reins of the family business. "I feel good about it. I think it's a good opportunity to continue doing what we're doing," he said, hinting at the legacy that the Jensen name carries and will seek to perpetuate into this new chapter.
