We’re Here for You at the Heart of the Community

November 13, 2023 4 min read 153 Views

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Discovering Woodburn is sponsored by our friends at Comcast Business
By Patti Jo Brooks

Mega Foods, the home of “Rock Bottom Prices!” This neighborly grocery store, near and dear to the Woodburn community, provides residents with all their favorite brands while they enjoy a more intimate shopping experience. Peruse Mega Food’s perimeter departments for the freshest produce, meats and bakery items around town. And be sure to check out the weekly ad for even greater savings! The store’s bright, colorful and clean interior, as well as the newly updated self-serve cases, are guaranteed to enhance even the most casual of shopping trips.

Focused on customer service and customer satisfaction, Mega Foods General Manager Mason Young expresses, “We can really hone in on the customer experience. We can get to know our customers a little bit more than you would at the larger retailers.” Customers enjoy bakery items made fresh daily and appreciate the Special Occasion cakes made-to-order just for them. Among the fresh-baked pastries you’ll find churros, empanadas and other made-from-scratch selections.

Fresh produce is delivered daily seven days a week direct from local produce companies. Meats are primarily out of Oregon and Washington and the service counter features chicken, pork, beef, seafood and bulk meats. The deli counter is always stocked fresh and ready to go. Milk is also sourced from a local Portland-based dairy. Sourcing local is just one of the many advantages to operating as an independent community grocer. Additionally, the store’s full-service floral department can provide a wide variety of arrangements from simple bouquets to lavish centerpieces suitable for any occasion.

Mega Foods’ special brand of customer service also includes free shuttle service back home for grocery-laden customers with limited transportation options. “We started a shuttle service where as long as you can get to the store and shop, we will gladly take you home free of charge and help you with your groceries,” explains Stephen Ellis, president of his family’s Mega Foods grocery markets. The service started a number of years ago after Stephen’s father and grandfather had seen it implemented in southern California and brought the idea back with them. “It’s a fun service to be able to offer,” remarks Alvie Luke, the company’s vice-president.

Beginning in the late 1980s, Stephen’s father and grandfather (who have now been in the grocery business for over 30 years) wanted to start their own venture. They began with a location in Salem and later had an opportunity to get involved with Woodburn Shopping Cart. They acquired the Woodburn store in 2003 and have been running it under Mega Foods for the last 20 years. For Stephen Ellis, Mega Foods has always been a part of his life, the Salem store having been purchased the year he was born. Alvie Luke was hired in 2004 and worked his way up the ranks, earning two extremely important positions – Vice President and the hand of Stephen’s sister, the owner’s daughter. Mason Young joined Mega Foods as general manager two years ago, bringing thirteen years of grocery experience with him.

“Our relationship with the community is what really sets us apart,” says Mason Young. Stephen points out that the store’s variety, selection, diversity and understanding of the customers and the community all play a part in that relationship. Mega Foods strongly supports all of Woodburn’s activities — extracurricular, after school and city-wide programs. “If anything is presented to us, we always try to do our best to deliver to the cause. We work with City Council, the Chamber and city officials,” Stephen acknowledges. Mega Foods goes to great lengths to understand all aspects of an event and secure sponsorship opportunities in which they can extend their support. They get involved, attend events and participate with foods and giveaways. They support Fiesta Mexicana and for the last decade they’ve participated in Woodburn’s parade. Mega Foods additionally supports all local schools and colleges on every level as well as recently sponsoring two of the benches in Woodburn’s new soccer complex.

All employees at Mega Foods have been hired from within the local communities. They train and promote their staff from within the company — employment is rarely outsourced. The family atmosphere, longevity of staff, flexible scheduling and opportunities to move up in the business make Mega Foods a great place to consider for a career. Managers and many of the employees have been around for most of Stephen Ellis’s life. Store morale is high as employees are respected and valued. Mason Young relates how once a quarter the staff is treated to an appreciation barbeque complete with raffles and a cook off. “They really enjoy it,” he says.

As far as future projects, Stephen shares, “We’re entertaining new business adventures. We are looking to grow.”