Dive Brief:
- Schnucks is partnering with more local restaurants in its hometown of St. Louis to sell grab-and-go items at some of its stores, according to a company press release.
- Building on a program announced in April, the expansion will focus on Black-owned businesses in the city, including vegan restaurant Royally Baked and Bold Spoon Creamery, which makes ice cream with local ingredients. Schnucks will add several more partners in the coming weeks.
- The company said in a statement it was inspired to reach out to these restaurants after reading an article in Feast Magazine about Black-owned restaurants to support in St. Louis.
Dive Insight:
As America grapples with issues surrounding race and equality, many companies, including food retailers, have voiced support for Black entrepreneurs, creators and business owners and are looking for ways to bring communities together.
In addition to the expanded partnership announcement, Schnucks has also voiced its support for the Black community on its social channels, recently posting about Juneteenth and encouraging followers to learn more, and profiling one of its butchers who has been with the company for 30 years.
Schnucks’ latest initiative around grab-and-go meals also supports the small businesses in its area, connecting these restaurateurs with new customers during a time when many restaurants are struggling amid the pandemic.
Schnucks joins other grocers that have partnered with restaurants on grab-and-go meal offerings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Texas’ H-E-B, for example, has teamed up with local restaurants in San Antonio and Houston, while QFC has started offering grab-and-go items from Seattle favorite Tutta Bella.
The partnerships promise to benefit both parties, with restaurants finding a new way to generate sales and grocery stores keeping customers engaged with convenient meal solutions.
