Young’s Payless IGA in Pioneer, CA, is marking its 70th anniversary, a significant milestone that owner Kevin Young reflects upon with gratitude and a deep appreciation for community support. This landmark year prompts a look back at pivotal moments, including a near-sale in 2013 that ultimately reinforced the store’s commitment to independence and local values.
In 2013, Young faced a proposition to sell his Pioneer location to Family Dollar, who threatened to build a competing store nearby if he declined. Initially considering the offer, Young soon witnessed an outpouring of community support that would change his course. Residents of Pioneer rallied, forming a task force, collecting thousands of signatures, and engaging local media to voice their desire to keep their beloved local grocer independent. This powerful community action effectively deterred Family Dollar and underscored the profound connection between Young’s Payless IGA and the town of Pioneer.
This experience deeply resonated with Young, reinforcing the core values of his business: community giveback, local involvement, and hometown pride. Deciding against the sale marked a decade of continued independence for Young’s Payless IGA, a path deeply ingrained in his family history. Like many in the grocery industry, Young’s journey began early. By age eight, he was involved in the store, starting as a bag boy and progressing through various roles, officially joining the payroll at 12.
Today, Kevin Young represents the third generation of family ownership, overseeing three Young’s Payless IGA stores and three Ace Hardware locations across central California’s rural farming communities. These communities, much like his stores, have maintained their unique character over the years. To ensure Young’s Payless IGA remains a vibrant and essential part of these communities, Young consistently adopts modern business practices, including digital marketing, digital couponing, and regular upgrades to point-of-sale systems.
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Community Engagement: The Cornerstone of IGA Pioneer CA
Community events are integral to Young’s Payless IGA’s identity in Pioneer, CA. Many of these events have become deeply embedded in the local calendar, requiring minimal promotion due to their established popularity. A prime example is the annual Steak and Shrimp dinner, a fundraiser for the local elementary school, which Young initiated 21 years ago after opening his third store. Initially conceived to introduce himself and the store to the Pioneer community while supporting local children, the event has evolved into a highly anticipated community tradition.
“We’ve been doing it for so many years that it sells itself,” Young explains. “Everybody in the community knows about it. It’s been raising well over $30,000 every year,” with all proceeds benefiting the school. Beyond the Steak and Shrimp dinner, Young’s Payless IGA actively participates in similar dinner fundraisers, golf tournaments, and C&S Wholesale’s backpack program, aimed at providing food-insecure children with backpacks filled with nutritious, kid-friendly food. While temporarily paused due to COVID-19, Young is committed to reviving the backpack program, recognizing its significant positive impact.
Backpack Kids
Expanding the Reach of Local Grocery in CA
Young’s Payless IGA’s growth includes the addition of a second location in 1999 and a third in 2002. These expansions were crucial in maintaining local grocery options in nearby communities. The Pioneer location itself was acquired when the previous owners were facing closure. Having industry connections, they approached Young’s father, leading to the acquisition that kept a vital grocery store open in Pioneer. A similar scenario unfolded with the Copperopolis location, where the original builder, part of Young’s IGA advertising group, sought new ownership to ensure its continued success, turning to Young due to his proven track record.
Store Samples
Celebrating 70 Years and Looking Forward
Reflecting on 70 years since the store’s inception on February 4, 1953, Young expresses a sense of awe. “It’s pretty surreal,” he says. “It’s crazy to think I’ve been in business a long time, but I’m only 51 years old. I worked alongside my grandfather, my uncles, and my father. It’s hard to believe that it’s been that long. But it’s been a great business that has supported our families for 70 years.” The anniversary celebration included special in-store events and customer giveaways, such as a Blackstone grill, Yeti cooler, and grocery bags, alongside staff prize wheels.
Balancing business demands with personal well-being is a priority for Young. He emphasizes the importance of work-life balance, especially given the increasing pressures of regulations and the complexities of modern business.
Leveraging IGA Programs and Local Differentiation
Young actively utilizes IGA’s Quarterly Marketing Kit to keep his stores visually appealing with updated signage. “I love that IGA is addressing value. Right now, that’s what’s important. So, they’re continuously keeping those signs fresh, and they’re hitting what needs to be hit.” His engagement with IGA extends to serving on the National Retailer Advisory Board for the Alliance and as a former board chairman, highlighting his commitment to the IGA network.
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To differentiate Young’s Payless IGA from larger corporate chains, Young focuses on key areas. The meat department stands out, with each store employing a butcher who provides custom cuts and expert advice. Another unique feature is the in-store Chinese kitchen, established in the early 1990s, offering freshly prepared meals daily by Chinese cooks – a rare find in most grocery stores. This addition, born from a store expansion, has been a customer favorite since its inception.
Navigating Daily Challenges and Future Generations
For Young, key challenges include maintaining competitive value and navigating ever-increasing government regulations. He notes the escalating difficulty of operating businesses in California, particularly in the grocery sector. He values the California Grocers Association for its advocacy against burdensome legislation, having served on its board and set to rejoin. “That’s probably the most valuable organization that we’re involved with, because they’re constantly speaking up for not only the independents, but also the chains in government and battling,” he states.
Strong management and a family-like atmosphere are crucial to Young’s approach. He emphasizes the importance of a supportive work environment where employees feel valued, fostering a “small town, family atmosphere.” Looking to the future, the possibility of fourth-generation ownership is real, with his son Jordan currently working as an assistant manager, learning the business and industry firsthand.
Kevin Young’s dedication to community, innovative business practices, and commitment to local differentiation define Young’s Payless IGA. By prioritizing work-life balance and effectively addressing the challenges of the grocery industry, Young’s Payless IGA in Pioneer, CA, remains a vital local institution, demonstrating the enduring importance of community-focused businesses.
