A final farewell to Dakota Family Foods

St. Vital

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/08/2024 (420 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

This is a column I feel compelled to write… one I would rather not have to write… but it is what it is.

In my second or third column for what was then called The Lance, I wrote about a “jewel hidden away in the heart of St. Vital.” I had been to Dakota Family Foods numerous times when I first lived in Winnipeg and, upon my return, it was an integral reason that I chose to rent in the area, merely two blocks away from the Dakota Village Shopping Centre at 1091 St. Mary’s Road.

So, imagine my shock and disbelief when I heard Scott Clement, owner/manager of the store since 2005, on the TV news last month, announcing the pending closure of the store.

Since I became disabled and the resultant vast reduction in my trips to Dakota Family Foods I can attest to the wonderful treatment and respect I received from all the staff at the store whenever I did manage to visit.

I teared up in a recent conversation with Scott, as did he. His first thoughts were for his customers and staff and, instead of me pontificating, I’m just going to turn the floor over to Scott and let him finish my column:

As I sit down to write this, my heart is filled with gratitude and bittersweet emotions. (Since) announcing the closure of Dakota Family Foods, (response) has been overwhelming in the best way possible. The outpouring of gratitude, support, and shared memories from our loyal customers has touched me and my staff deeply. Your kind words and heartfelt emotions have made this difficult decision a bit easier to make.

Deciding to close the store was incredibly tough. After nearly 20 years of serving the community that I grew up in, it was time for me to move on. The decision was prompted by a combination of factors, including the failure to reach a new lease agreement and rising operating costs that have become unsustainable.

However, I consider the nearly two decades we’ve spent together a great success, marked by many proud moments and achievements. Throughout the years, we’ve supported various important causes, including raising over $80,000 for breast cancer research, and contributed to community projects like Dakota Collegiate’s Murray Field and providing job training and work experience programs.

Most importantly, we’ve had the privilege to provide employment for many people in the community. I want to extend my deepest thanks to each of you for your loyalty, your smiles, and your support. You’ve not only been customers but also friends and family. Thank you for 20 successful years. It’s been an honour to serve you. And to my incredible staff past and present, I am grateful for your dedication, hard work, and exceptional customer service. The success of our store is owed to each of you.

With gratitude,

Scott Clement