Rich and Darlene Hoffman have been woven into the fabric of the community, having run Sky Plaza IGA for 36 years, something Rich credits to “great employees and great ideas.” But after being named one of IGA’s Top US Retailers earlier this year, the Hoffman’s were finally ready to retire. However they wanted to be sure they handed off their family business to people who would match their family’s commitment to the community.
Rich noted that he and Darlene wanted a young family to come in with new ideas and energy, “just like my wife and I did 36 years ago,” he explained. “We wanted someone who could come in and take these new challenges on; to continue to support the community that has supported us all these years.” Initially, the Hoffmans met the Roy family during a Zoom call and according to Rich, “We hit it off immediately. We have similar beliefs and ideas,” he noted.
Sujit Roy and his brother Sudip Roy owned a small grocery store in Cleveland with their families. But their grocery and retail experience isn’t all they bring to the equation. Sujit is a former mechanical engineer, and his wife Alma is a financial analyst. His brother Sudip has an MBA. Their families owned a small grocery store and several gas stations in the Cleveland area, dealing with local and national suppliers.
“It was a dynamic business,” Sujit explained. “We dealt with 15-25 different suppliers, a variety of products and different price points.” They’re looking forward to the challenges and opportunities at Sky Plaza IGA, whereby contrast they handle 150 – 200 price changes each week in a location that’s roughly three times larger. Another aspect that attracted the Roys to IGA was the appeal of the small-town business. “Our family looks forward to continuing the commitment Rich and Darlene have made to Garrettsville, Windham, and Hiram.”
“It was important to us that our employees would be taken care of,” Rich noted. He’s proud that 100% of his staff have remained with the Roy family at Sky Plaza IGA, including store manager Jeffrey Burns, who has been with the company over 50 years.
Rich has fully transitioned from his regular role, and noted that under the Roy’s leadership, they had a great Labor Day weekend. He noted, “Sujit has made lots of back-end improvements, even before he officially took over.”
“We’re meeting customers every day,” Sujit shared. “It’s wonderful to see some of the kids who used to work here, now as adults, returning to shop at IGA.” Moving forward, the Roys will continue to make improvements to the store. They’ll continue to stock local produce and meat from local farmers. “We’re working hard to find alternative sources for other items, to help keep IGA’s pricing competitive.” He noted that the Hoffman’s ‘tried-and-true’ established hours will continue – 8 am until 8 pm, with Senior Discount Day continuing Thursdays.
“We’re looking at major changes for next year,” Sujit added. “We’re fighting for the community for very competitive pricing.” Other plans include adding e-coupons, “so customers won’t have to remember to bring in paper coupons to save money.”
IGA will also continue in its commitment to the local Foodbank, with regular donations given to the local charity. Since 2020, Sky Plaza IGA has donated over $6,000 to help feed local families. The next planned donation is scheduled for later this fall. According to Sujit, “’Hometown Proud’ is more than just a tag line.”
Rich noted that the Roys have also made improvements to IGA’s deli area, which open additional job opportunities for new team members. Both men encouraged prospective employees to stop by or call for more information.
While the Hoffman family’s time running IGA is nearly at an end, Rich noted that there isn’t really an end date for him and Sky Plaza IGA. “I’m still around, and I still shop here,” he noted.
Sujit reiterated that he and his brother welcome Rich’s time with them noting, “You are still the Chief here” he reiterated. Sujit and his brother see Rich as a ‘father figure’ in this new endeavor.
Much like their ‘chief’, the Roy family aims to foster dedication and teamwork at this well-loved family business. Moving forward, the mission remains, “How can we help our customers have a better day at IGA?”
Sky Plaza IGA is located at 8283 Windham Street in Garrettsville. For more information, call (330) 527-2253.
