New owners have taken over several smaller Marsh supermarkets, including stores in Pendleton, Marion, Hartford City and Richmond.  As IPR’s Esther Bower reports, it’s a homecoming of sorts for the Ohio-based Fresh Encounter, which is making plans for changes at the stores.

After purchasing 11 stores in Indiana, family owned Fresh Encounter now has stores in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Account Manager Grant Covault says Fresh Encounter was drawn to these stores because the communities align with what the company believes in.

“It’s just a really good fit for us. We absolutely love the people and what these small communities stand for, and we think that we can really keep this family owned organization going, and it’s a good spot for us.”

While the ownership is new, customers shouldn’t expect to see many changes… yet. With inventory still being taken, and new products being chosen, customers can expect to see fresh food being re-stocked. The company says it’s committed to providing the highest quality of meat and produce. Over the next few months, the stores will go through rebranding, including a new name.  Until then, Covault says Fresh Encounter will keep many aspects the same and ensuring a smooth transition.

“We are trying to keep all the Marsh employees. That is the connection to the community. That’s the connection to the customers, and that’s something we don’t want to lose moving forward.”

While the Fresh Encounter name may be new to Indiana, Hartford City isn’t new to the company. Fresh Encounter founder Michael Needler grew up around Hartford City.  His son, who now runs the company, says he is excited to bring the company back to its roots.