You may have never heard of Dorothy Lane Market, an independent grocer in Dayton, Ohio. They’ve quietly been serving their loyal customers since 1948, when the receipts of their first day of business totaled $35. It’s an understatement to say they’ve come a long way since then.

Even though they don’t have the brand recognition of their large grocery store competitors, Dorothy Lane is recognized throughout the country as one of the leading independent grocery stores. Its repu-tation has attracted visiting grocers from around the country and as far away as Europe, Japan and Australia.

Walk into any of their three locations, and you’ll quickly notice what sets them apart from other grocers. Aside from their in-store chef demonstrations and the extraordinary selection of healthy foods, organic produce, antibiotic- and hormone-free meats, artisan breads, wines and cheeses that would make most grocery stores weak in the knees, it’s Dorothy Lane’s grab-and-go service that is getting a lot of attention.

Not Your Mother’s Grab and Go
Dorothy Lane’s grab-and-go service is anything but typical. Whereas some grab-and-go meals are limited to a salad bar and prepackaged sandwiches, Dorothy Lane offers customers several ethnic foods, including Asian, Indian, Italian, Mediterranean and American dishes.

Made-to-order pizzas, wraps, deli sandwiches, subs, fresh fish, whole grains and vegetables are always available. The market also has several entrée cases packed with 25 to 30 precooked items and rotates a variety of seasonal favorites.

“We’ve seen an increase in our grab-and-go operation over the years as more busy individuals want to eat healthy, but don’t want to cook,” says Jack Gridley, vice president of meats, seafood and prepared foods at Dorothy Lane.

Grab-and-go selections aren’t limited to precooked meals. If you don’t see something you like, the staff at Dorothy Lane will cook it for you. The grab-and-go menu is limited only by what’s in the store.

“We cover the entire spectrum,” explains Gridley. “Customers can purchase meats and seafood and have it grilled right there in front of them. We’ve also seen a lot of interest in cuisine meals, fully prepared meals that include antibiotic-free protein and healthy side items.”

While some customers do take their food to go, they are encouraged to eat their meals in the market’s café. All Dorothy Lane locations have in-store seating for grab-and-go customers, and its Springboro, Ohio, location has a second floor dedicated to grab-and-go seating.

Variety a Result of Rising Competition
Today’s grab-and-go operations face stiff competition from fast-food and chain restaurants, corporate dining establishments, and even the corner gas station, which are all fighting for share of stomach. One way grab-and-go operations can entice customers and differentiate themselves from the competition is to offer as much variety as possible.

“Having a large variety of healthy foods is the main reason Dorothy Lane’s grab-and-go service has been so successful,” adds Gridley. “Other restaurants can’t compete with that.”

Gridley explains Dorothy Lane’s grab-and-go service has been so popular that the company is incorporating restaurant-style ordering in one of its markets. It will be an extension of its current service, allowing customers to order meals from menus at their table.

It’s been a long time since Dorothy Lane first opened its doors on August 12, 1948. When asked the secret of its success, Gridley admits it’s nothing exciting.

“We try news things and always make as many options available to our customers as possible,” he says. “We also put out great-tasting and healthy food, and, at the end of the day, that’s all our customers really want.”

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