Drink beer while shopping local at new Lucky’s Market

Features Staff

People who want to buy local and drink beer as they grocery shop may want to stop by Lucky’s Market on Wednesday for the store’s opening.

Lucky’s Market began in Colorado as an attempt to bring local food to the community. There are stores in 11 states, which all source food from local vendors.

“What Lucky’s is trying to do is demystify good cooking and good ingredients,” said Tobi Truitt, store director at the Lexington Location. “We do emphasize good food and good quality.”

Customers who prefer to take their time while shopping can stop by the cafe, grab a beer and continue at a more relaxed pace.

“The beer is being hooked up as we speak,” Truitt said. “We call it the sip and stroll.”

Truitt, a San Diego native,  started working in the grocery industry at 15 and said he has worked in everything from traditional groceries to specialty and organic groceries.

“One of our main missions is to provide not only the ingredients, but also the information,” Truitt said.

Truitt said Lucky’s specially selects their team members so they can help customers select not only the correct produce, but also learn how to prepare it, or how to pair it with other dishes or drinks.

For those who may not be looking to cook an expertly paired meal, Lucky’s offers a variety of heat and serve meals. There is a full salad and olive bar, plus sandwiches and a varieties of pizzas.

The proximity to campus is not the only connection to students. Eventually, 10 percent of the store’s produce will be local, and they have partnered with a UK Agriculture program that will connect them to local farmers.

“Right now the emphasis is on local items,”  Truitt said. “As we’re here in the community longer you’ll see more local produce.”

Another part of the local approach is giving back. The store has a policy to pay employees up to 32 hours for community volunteer work. The goal is to give back to and support the community Lucky’s is joining.

“It’s my goal to make this a hometown store,” Truitt said.