Candie Webster, the second-generation owner/operator and president of Webster’s Marketplace in Ripon, announced that the grocery store has been sold to Hy-Vee.
“My parents, Rob and Kathy, and I are excited to announce that we have accepted an offer to purchase our family’s grocery store, Webster’s Marketplace,” Candie Webster said in a press release issued Oct. 14. “We are thrilled this offer came from Hy-Vee, an employee-owned company founded in Iowa with more than 300 grocery stores of its own. This transition will allow new opportunities for our team, including more employee benefits and more opportunities for career path growth under Hy-Vee’s structure. We also look forward to the benefits Hy-Vee will bring to our community with their similar business philosophies when it comes to giving back to our local area and dedication to providing amazing customer service.”
Tina Potthoff, senior vice president for communications at Hy-Vee, said the company had been interested in acquiring the Ripon market for some time, as it is a well-loved and well-run business strategically located between Hy-Vee’s more established locations in Madison and its first store in the New North region, which opened in Ashwaubenon in 2022.
Potthoff says Hy-Vee will take possession of the market next Monday, will quickly restock and rebrand the store, and host a grand opening event on Nov. 6. The store will also host a free breakfast for veterans on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11 from 6 to 11 a.m.
In line with Hy-Vee’s corporate philosophy, Potthoff said, the store will be very involved in the community, just like Webster’s before it. The Veterans Day Breakfast is just the first of many examples, she said.
Candie Webster said: “I know Hy-Vee is also committed to working with our community and making sure the store is embedded in the area, just like Webster’s, which makes this transition an even better fit.”
As for Hy-Vee, the philosophy in purchasing the store was to keep a good thing going, Potthoff said.
“You’ll see the same friendly faces; the same people who worked for Webster’s will be working for Hy-Vee, only they’ll be wearing red Hy-Vee shirts,” she said, adding that Hy-Vee does not plan to take away the existing market’s bakery and popular doughnut program, its floral shop or its existing deli and hot food section — it will focus only on expanding, as opposed to removing, offerings. New offerings will likely include additional prepared meal options, greeting cards, organic produce and additional fresh meat and seafood.
The Ripon Hy-Vee will be open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, starting Nov. 6.
