MISSOULA – With the flash of a knife through store cured bacon, the founders of Lucky’s Market open the chain’s new Missoula location, the "bacon cutting" coming just minutes after donating thousands of dollars to local non-profits.
The new store officially opened Wednesday morning after months of construction although some customers already had a preview during a "soft opening" the day before.
With an enthusiastic greeting and "thank you" to employees and Missoula community leaders, Lucky’s founders Bo and Trish Sharon presented checks for more than $10,000 to Garden City Harvest, Youth Homes and the Open Aid Alliance.
The chain uses multiple programs, such as "Bags for Change" and donating a portion of profits for Lucky’s branded products to support local non-profits.
"A natural food store and Missoula just goes hand-in-hand," Bo Sharon told MTN News. "It feels like home."
The Sharon’s started the chain in Boulder, Colorado where they were working as chefs in 2003. They now have locations in 11 different states, with Missoula joining Billings as the second store in Montana.
The store employs 150 Missoula residents to staff the new location.
Lucky’s anchors the newly re-developed southern end of Southgate Mall and is expected to create more of a "neighborhood" feel for the mall going forward in the future.
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