BATH — The Maine Grocers & Food Producers Association recently announced their 2018 grocer of the year is Brackett’s Market in Bath.

The business was founded by Kimberly and Steve Brackett in 1996. The store is locally-owned and an IGA “Hometown Proud” 5-star supermarket. They are committed to being more than just a grocery store, striving every day to make a difference in Bath. As owners, they work to source local products and continuously support their community. Knowing customers by name, their personal connection in both product assortment and service helps set their independent store apart from the competition.

Steve and Kim spent many years employed at Kroger. Originally from the Atlanta, Georgia area, they were intrigued by the allure of owning a grocery store in Maine. It took almost three years before they settled on a small storefront in Bath. They made the trek from the South with just two U-hauls in tow and the dream of coming to live and work in Maine. The original storefront, which now serves as the local Amato’s, offered the perfect setting to relocate and set roots in Maine. In 2002, the Bracketts completely renovated an old A&P store building to make room for the Brackett’s Market we know today, located on Front Street, employing 35 people.

The Bracketts have both spent many years as elected officials, including Steve’s role for six years on the Bath City Council and Kim on the school board for eight years. Kim currently serves on the board of directors of the National Grocers Association, IGA’s National Retail Advisory board, and is the former president of the Maine Grocer’s Association.

Peter Larkin, president and CEO of the National Grocers Association, wrote to share his appreciation. “Congratulations Kim on this very well-deserved award. You and the team at Brackett’s should be proud of what you’ve accomplished. I know from my own personal experience of shopping at your store, you have set the standard for what independent grocers are all about by providing high quality products, great service and support for the community. On behalf of the NGA family, we are proud to have you as a member and appreciate your service as a member on the board of directors.”

The Bracketts noted the award is more than an award for either of them, but it is truly the store’s award. And as best stated by one of the market’s employees. “We’re not a company, we’re a family.”

The award was formally presented earlier this month at the Annual Summit in New Gloucester, Maine, at the Pineland Farms Event Facility.