Coborn's to celebrate 100th anniversary this year

Mark Wasson, West Central Tribune, Willmar, Minn.
·1 min read

Apr. 17—ST. CLOUD — Coborn's Inc., parent company of Cash Wise Foods in Willmar, will be celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, according to a news release from the company.

According to the release, Chester R. Coborn opened the first store in 1921 in Sauk Rapids. In the decades since, the company has grown to more than 120 various retail and business support units across Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and South Dakota.

"2020 was a challenging year for all of us as we dealt with the ongoing challenges that the COVID-19 pandemic presented. But since the company was founded back in 1921 by my great-grandfather, the company has stood the test of time through many difficulties," fourth-generation Chairman, President and CEO Chris Coborn said. "Our guests, our business partners and our employees have made the difference. Through hard work, supporting one another, and giving back to our communities, we know we can manage through the tough times and celebrate the good ones, today and in the next 100 years."

The retailer has almost 9,500 employees and has stores under the Coborn's, Cash Wise Foods, Marketplace Foods and Hornbacher's banners.