Dowagiac residents celebrated the unveiling of a newly renovated Family Fare supermarket on Friday afternoon, marking a significant upgrade to the local shopping experience. The Dowagiac Family Fare, located at 56151 M-51, hosted a ribbon-tying ceremony in partnership with the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce to commemorate the store’s extensive enhancements.
Ribbon-tying ceremony at Dowagiac Family Fare marking store renovation.
Kris Soenen, President of the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of Family Fare to the community during the ceremony. “This ribbon-tying event highlights how vital this business is to our community, offering a fantastic place to shop,” Soenen stated. “Because Family Fare has chosen to invest and grow within our community, we are far from being a food desert, and that is incredibly significant.”
Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce officials at Family Fare renovation celebration.
The event was well-attended by chamber members, city officials, and store personnel, all eager to showcase the modernized facilities. Attendees were impressed by the comprehensive renovations, which include new flooring throughout the store and significant improvements to key departments such as produce, meat, bakery, and deli. Family Fare Dowagiac has expanded its offerings to include hot food options, convenient grill-ready selections, and a sushi bar, catering to diverse customer preferences. The produce section now boasts a wider variety, including the premium “Fresh and Finest” line of pre-cut fruits.
Inside view of the renovated Dowagiac Family Fare showcasing upgraded produce section.
Pharmacist services have also been enhanced with the addition of a private consultation room, offering customers a discreet space to discuss their healthcare needs. To improve customer flow and convenience, the store has redesigned its entry and exit areas for quicker access. Adding to the store’s appeal, a Starbucks kiosk opened in April, providing shoppers with a range of hot sandwiches, pastries, and specialty coffee drinks, including nitro and cold brew options.
Dowagiac Mayor Don Lyons lauded Family Fare’s commitment to the city. “We deeply appreciate the community’s continued support of Family Fare and, in return, Family Fare’s dedication to Dowagiac by creating a modern, 21st-century shopping environment for groceries, pharmacy needs, and coffee,” Mayor Lyons commented. “This ongoing investment is crucial; without it, communities fall behind. Family Fare has made it a priority to ensure this store is not just a place to shop, but a place where residents can find everything they need locally, reducing the need to travel to Niles or Mishawaka. This commitment is vital for maintaining a strong local economy here in Dowagiac.”
Dowagiac Mayor Don Lyons speaking at Family Fare reopening event.
Store Manager Dan Stuck highlighted that the extensive renovation reflects SpartanNash’s “people-first” philosophy, emphasizing superior customer service and community engagement. Stuck noted the positive feedback from both staff and customers regarding the upgrades and invited everyone to the store’s grand reopening celebration on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The grand reopening event promises a fun-filled day with raffle prizes, children’s activities including an obstacle course, a balloon artist, a DIY seedling pot station, and a dunk tank benefiting the Dowagiac Fire Department. A hotdog lunch will also be available, with proceeds supporting Dowagiac Cheerleading, further embedding Family Fare within the Dowagiac community.
