Bringing More to the Table: Grinnell Hy-Vee Expands Offerings

Whether you're planning a backyard cookout, picking up lunch, or shopping for grocery staples, Grinnell Hy-Vee has expanded the options available to its customers! Chamber Ambassadors heard from Store Director Phil Grout, alongside Hy-Vee team members, to hear what’s new throughout the store.

One of the newest and biggest changes is the return of a full-service meat case. Led by Meat Market Manager Larry Breitbach, the meat department has more than steaks, though Breitbach jokingly describes himself as a ‘ribeye guy’. Shoppers will find pork, poultry and beef options, plus prepared sides including favorites like firecracker street corn and kabob options, making it easy to pull together a complete meal.

Having opened last Friday, and with just 3 days of sales to report, Breitbach was recognized as this week’s top seller in the territory, further proving that Grinnell and surrounding areas are thrilled to see the return of the meat counter.

Grout also shared another recent addition: sushi! “I personally love it, so it may have been a selfish introduction,” Grout laughed. “But in reality, I knew it would be popular here, though I underestimated just how popular. Having spent time in both the Newton and Grinnell stores, I saw many Grinnell customers shopping the other store for sushi.” The rolls have already reached an enthusiastic crowd.

From preparing vegetables and seafood to cooking and carefully testing the rice, there's much more involved than most customers realize. Every roll is prepared fresh, in-store, timestamped, and available for only 24 hours to ensure quality and freshness. “We’re rolling machines,” joked Grout. Supporting two full-time team members and a few part-time roles, the rolls have already become a popular sales item. The crowd favorites thus far? California rolls, crunch rolls, and white tiger rolls, alongside their fresh poke bowls.

Customers will also notice updates throughout the store. Fresh seafood has a new display case and expanded options featuring products sourced through Hy-Vee's Responsible Choice program, which focuses on responsibly sourced seafood and greater transparency.

Perishables Manager Heather Gates has also expanded the store’s Health Market, increasing offerings of gluten-free, high-protein, and specialty products. Shoppers will also find an expanded selection of charcuterie and Italian-inspired favorites. “We see the trend in this food area and wanted to increase our offerings to support it,” said Grout.

Beyond the products themselves, Grout said his goal is simple: "I want this to be the best store in Grinnell. This is my passion. If customers have ideas, I want to hear them." The store is also planning several community events throughout the summer, including weekend grilling on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, complete with a bounce house for kids. A back-to-school event is also in the works.

More updates are still on the way as the Hy-Vee team continues to build upon these changes. Grout hopes the next investment will be expanded and on-site options for HyChi, and is working through the process to do so now.

Beginning next week, the store will introduce ‘priority shopping’ featuring 15 minute pick-up times for fewer than 15 unique product codes. They have also increased their delivery radius to 30 miles and are offering a summer promotion of free delivery within this territory!

To learn more about the changes at Hy-Vee, shop in store or online or give them a call at 641-236-6584.

Chamber Ambassadors from L to R:

Fran Conn

Roman Meyers — Grinnell College

Charlie Isaacs — Theisen's

Cooper Muckler — Future Entrepreneur

Cassie Busby — Pioneer Bookshop, Grinnell College

Jon Sutton — B3 Technology

Adam Laug — Grinnell College

Palmer Muckler — Future Entrepreneur

Ashley Van Weelden — HyVee

Jackie Rhodes — Walmart Grinnell