After 35 years in the grocery business, Martino Catalano, owner of Southampton Foodland, is retiring.
“I am definitely going to miss it,” says Catalano, “but it’s time and I know that I am leaving our store in good hands.”
Liz Graham
Those hands are those of Liz Graham. Originally from Kincardine, Graham came into the grocery business when she was first hired by Wayne Burke of Sobeys in Kincardine, who was, incidentally, a former owner of Southampton Foodland many years ago.
Graham and her husband, Bill, also own stores in Markdale and Owen Sound and their oldest son, Will, rounds out the ‘family affair’ after taking over the store in Palmerston (ON).
“I am so looking forward to coming into this beautifully renovated store,” says Liz Graham. “It almost runs itself with the wonderful staff, many of whom have been here for years, such as Penny, Matt, Peter, Mary and the others. I know that they are going to make this transition so easy and customers will still benefit from the service that they provide.”
Graham says that she is looking forward to becoming involved as part of the community. For a short time, the Grahams had moved to Acton with the Rona Building chain. “We were so happy though to come back home with the Foodland and Sobeys chain. I know this is going to be a good fit and am looking forward to meeting all Southampton customers. Martino has already taken me around to meet our local customers. Nothing will change … the summer Lobster Fest for instance will continue, along with any other events that Martino organized.”
As for Martino, he and his wife, Stacey, are looking forward to travel. “I’m also looking forward to golfing and time on our boat this summer. Will I miss the store and staff? Absolutely, but I know that Liz is the ideal one to take over Southampton Foodland as she is local in Bruce County and understands customer needs.”
