'Your neighborhood grocery store': Family-owned independent grocery Rupena's Fine Foods prepare to celebrate 100 years

 

WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Tajma Hall highlights the impact of Rupena's Fine Foods, a hometown neighborhood grocery store preparing to celebrate 100 years of service to the community. 

With the rise of big box stores over the last decade or so, many neighborhood grocery shops have ceased to exist but in West Allis, you'll find Rupena's Fine Foods still standing. The family-owned store is getting ready to mark a big business milestone.

Maria Rupena runs the store, which has been in her family for decades. Over the years, the family has had to adjust and get creative to keep business flowing. Maria has been a big part of some of the most recent addictions.

Adding the family touch helps keep things warm here and maria says that's what keeps them connected to their customers.

"We made it more of a warm atmosphere, but very welcoming to everyone. Everyone that walks through the door becomes our family," she said.

The goal now is to add an event hall where they can host catered events and help boost business.

"Ever since COVID. It's very hard for us. Don't forget about us because I want to make it to 100 years," she said.
Maria is just hoping the community continues to give their support.