Chenier’s
Marche
Richelieu Provides “Old School” Style Grocery
Services
Written in The Vision Paper on
June 28, 2006
by Robert Kirwan
Al Chenier, shown in front of the meat
cooler putting together an order for a customer, grew up watching his
grandfather, Hormidas Chenier provide the kind of “Old School” service that
made Chenier’s Marche Richelieu grocery store such an important part of the
Hanmer community. So when he
had an opportunity to purchase the store in September 2004, Al jumped at the
opportunity to return it to the family.
“I love being around the
public and helping people with something as fundamental to their day to day
living as selecting their food,” Chenier explained. “And when you consider
some of the basic policies that have always existed at our store, it makes
it even more special.”
Indeed, one of the things Chenier’s Marche Richelieu is known for is
its selection of meat. “All of our beef comes to us fresh in ½ or ¼
carcuses. We then cut it up into steak, roasts, hamburger – you name it –
but it is always fresh, right off the rack. We never get our beef delivered
pre-packaged. If a customer wants thick steak, we cut it to suit their
preference. A lot of our customers give us specific orders and we have it
ready for pick up when they come in. We even make our own sausages and
porketta.”
Another
service that Al is proud of is the “free home delivery” that customers can
receive from Chenier’s Marche Richelieu. “You can phone or fax in your
grocery order by noon and we will deliver it right to your home the same day
at no extra charge. Many of the people who appreciate this service are
seniors or individuals who are unable to get around very well. They call up
with their order and we bring it to their doorstep, just like in the “old
days.”
In fact, Al usually does all of the home deliveries himself, giving
him an additional opportunity to get out and express his appreciation for
the loyal support shown by his regular customers.
The closing of the
Capreol Freshmart in July will undoubtedly mean that the home delivery
service will become an attractive alternative to many of the residents of
that community. A simple phone
call is all that is needed to have your grocery order filled and on your
doorstep. Not only will there be no charge for the delivery, but you will
find that the prices at Chenier’s Marche Richelieu are extremely competitive
for your basic grocery needs. You won’t have to “pay extra” for any of these
conveniences.
Chenier’s Marche Richelieu is open seven days a week, including all
holidays and Saturdays, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The staff is fully bilingual and you can
pay with debit, VISA or good old-fashioned cash. Customers from Valley East,
Capreol, Rayside Balfour, Nickel Centre, and even Sudbury appreciate the
convenient hours of operation, the excellent meat department, the complete
selection of both brand and no-name products, the great prices, and the “old
school” friendly atmosphere that has made Chenier’s Marche Richelieu famous
for over 50 years.
The next time you are driving by on Cote Blvd in Hanmer,
just stop by and have a look. You’ll notice the difference the minute you
step inside the door.
CHENIER’S MARCHE RICHELIEU
99 COTE BLVD. HANMER
(705) 969-5301
