Fred's becomes Mackenthun's Fine Foods
It is official. On Monday, Sept. 26, the Montgomery and Lonsdale grocery stores officially became Mackenthun's Fine Foods. According to grocer Fred Braegelmann, who built a successful business under his name with clean stores, friendly service and quality food, the two parties closed on Monday morning, and the stores are now part of the Mackenthun's company.
Braegelmann has owned the Montgomery store since 1996 when it was located in the building that houses Center Stage Dance and Snap Fitness. He built the new store in 1999 and the Lonsdale store 11 years ago. He said he has always appreciated his customers and thanks them for their years of support. He also thanks his employees for their years of hard work at his stores.
“I would like to thank the customers who have supported us for 20 years and the employees, especially the long-term employees,” he said. “The stores will be in good hands with Mackenthuns.”
According to Jessa Theis, one of the new owners, updates coming to the stores are in progress and coming throughout the next month. In Montgomery, a temporary exterior banner sign for Mackenthun’s Fine Foods went up on Tuesday, and the store will be reset on October 11 and 12.
Theis added that plans call for interior paint, new signage, the installation of a deli service case (cold salads, cold entrees, sliced to order Kretschmar meat and cheeses, and more grab-and-go convenience items).
Mackenthun’s Fine Foods is a family-owned company. Kim is fourth generation in the family company, and Theis and her brother, Jaime, are fifth-generation owners.
Services the company includes are clickable online ads to help shoppers with their shopping list. Go to www.mackenthuns.com and get started by signing in and choosing your default store. The company also has a Mackenthun’s app to help their shoppers.
Theis said customers will see more convenience headed their way, but the owners still want to hear from those who shop in their stores.
“We look forward to hearing from the community how we can meet your needs. Feel free to submit comments and suggestions through our website. Click on ‘About Us’, then ‘Contact Us’,” Theis said.
“We are happy to be in Montgomery and Lonsdale, and very proud of the entire hard-working staff with all they have accomplished already!” Theis said.
A grand opening for Mackenthun’s Fine Foods in Montgomery is planned for the end of October.
