Out in the parking lot of Lin’s, store manager, Dick Raich, is gathering carts with a spring in his step and a smile on his face. Here, customers are greeted by Raich and every other store employee. In fact, they refer to their clientele as “guests.” It’s obvious that there is something different about this grocery store.
“Lin’s is an extension of the community. We live here, and we serve our friends. We want to give the very best service, value and products to our guests,” said Raich.
Lin’s is constantly changing to improve the store’s offerings. Additions include the “Fresh Cut Program.” Each day, employees hand cut fruits and vegetables for convenient meal starters. Examples are zoodles, cut fruit and vegetables prepared in a variety of ways. “Right now the most popular items are our melon bowls and precut grilling vegetables,” explains Raich.
Local Produce
The produce section feature over 40 Utah-grown items. Known for quality produce, Lin’s team members pride themselves in offering fruit and vegetables that rival a farmer’s market. Their philosophy is that poor produce is not of any value to their guests. They provide several varieties of most fruits and vegetables.
Cherries sold at Lin’s come from McMullin Orchards an hour up the road in Payson, Utah. Customers visit the store to get Olathe corn brought in from Colorado. Finding produce that is grown nearby, requires the store’s team members to work hard to find the right farmers, but it’s well worth the effort according to Raich.
Fresh Meats
The same attitude about locally grown products spills over into the meat department. Regionally grown Angus beef and pork from Utah and Idaho stock the shelves. “There really is a difference in the taste of quality, fresh meat, and that is what we’re aiming for,” explains Raich.
Deli and Bakery
Doughnuts are fried fresh every morning at Lin’s. Bakers create cakes and other pastries on site instead of having them shipped in. Deli items such as sandwiches, salads, fried chicken and wraps are created each day so that customers can quickly get lunch or dinner. “Our chef salad is really popular because it’s a hearty, filling salad,” said Mandy, the deli manager.
Giving back to the community
Helping with the United Way’s Day of Caring is one of store employee’s favorite days of the year. The event begins and ends in the store parking lot. Lin’s helps in many ways to make the day go smoothly. According to the United Way of Eastern Utah’s Facebook page, last year on the Day of Caring more than 842 people volunteered and completed 50 projects giving a total of 3,368 hours of service. “An event like that can impact so many people, really it helps the whole community. Our goal is to stay involved in as many events like this as possible,” said Raich.
Another way Lin’s gives back to the community is through the “School Cents” program. The store donates to elementary schools in Carbon and Emery counties. Customers sign up for a specific school and Lin’s donates 1 percent of the customer’s purchases to the elementary. Once a year, Raich delivers significant donation checks to principals.
“Our position in the area is about trying to keep the community’s integrity by helping the well being of families and businesses in the area as much as we can. It’s very important to us to be a positive influence in our community,” said Raich.
Stop the bus!
While serving locals is their top priority. Lin’s also caters to tour groups by having fast, fresh food ready to go. Their goal is to get people to pull off the road to stop in Price.
The recent addition of Starbucks Coffee and Mountain America Credit Unions brings even more services together under the store’s roof.