Contact:
Alicia Rockwell, Public Affairs Director
209-548-6511 or 800-692-5710
arockwell@savemart.com
Store Manager of the Year
Top 10 Nominees for 2011 Nicholas J. Tocco Award Honored
“The Coastal Banner is very proud of the Store Manager of the Year, Mike Cook, who has done a great job of improving his store’s performance while giving great customer service and remaining active in the community. Thanks for making us proud Mike,” said Save Mart’s Vice
President of the Coastal Division, Woody Hunter.
Mike Cook started his grocery career at a Lucky store in 1988, changing course from being in banking as an assistant manager of finance. He has been very successful transitioning his store from Albertson back to Lucky since being acquired by Save Mart in 2007. His store’s bakery and
meat counter are outstanding, plus his produce has been voted best in town. Mike lives in Oakley and is involved in the community. During this difficult economic time, he has offered his customers value through quality merchandise and exceptional service.
As a first nomination for Store Manager of the Year, Mike was “shocked” but very pleased and honored to receive the Tocco award. He was quick to give credit to his whole store team for their hard work and care for their customers.
Ann Bradford – Lucky store on Mountain Blvd. in Oakland – and Dan Kohnen – Save Mart store in Oakland – were named first and second runners-up, respectively.
This year’s Nicholas J. Tocco nominees included:
• Tara Alvarez – FoodMaxx store on North Broadway in Santa Maria
• David Gonzales – Save Mart store on North Milburn in Fresno
• Randy Sentachi – Lucky store on Sloat Blvd. in San Francisco
• Luke Houston – Save Mart store in Riverbank
• Rich Alstad – Save Mart store at Standiford and Prescott in Modesto
• John Romine – Save Mart store in Jackson
• Justin Schumann – FoodMaxx store in Oroville
The Store Manager of the Year award, presented by Save Mart Supermarkets Owner and Chairman Bob Piccinini, was created in honor of the late Nicholas J. Tocco, co-founder of Save Mart Supermarkets. Nominees for the award must meet the company’s standards for store
performance, customer service, and community involvement. The winner receives an etched blown glass vase, travel certificate, and cash. Runners up receive a cash award and all nominees receive a framed certificate.
Save Mart Supermarkets operates 233 stores throughout Northern California and Northern Nevada under the Save Mart, S-Mart Foods, Lucky, Maxx Value Foods, and FoodMaxx banners. The privately-held company was founded January 17, 1952 and has always been headquartered in Modesto, California. More information about the company and its banners is available at www.savemart.com, www.luckysupermarkets.com, and www.foodmaxx.com. Its
consumer relations group can be called toll-free at 800-692-5710.
Pictures or interviews of nominees and winners available upon request via email to
arockwell@savemart.com or skubicek@savemart.com