ROCHESTER, Minn. – The Stillwater-based CUB grocery chain plans to build an 80,000 square foot store in northwest Rochester. The store’s distinctions will include a gourmet popcorn section. The location: Scott Road Northwest and Commerce Drive Northwest with an opening next spring. There already is a smaller CUB store off U.S. Highway 14 in southeast Rochester. In a quiet swipe at the Iowa-based Hy-Vee chain, which dominates the Rochester market, CUB chief executive Brian Audette said: “As Minnesota’s hometown grocer, we’re thrilled to announce the construction of our newest CUB store here in Rochester.” There will be all the new mega-grocery accoutrements: A wine tasting bar and deli, bakery, vitamin, seafood and take-out meals. departments, and also a built-in liquor store.
CUB profile
CUB is a subsidiary of United Natural Foods of Rhode Islnd. The first store was in Stillwater in 1968. Today the brand operates 80 stores mostly in Minnesota but some in Illinois. The name “CUB” comes from the nickname of founder Culver Davis Jr. The acronym was later used in advertising for “Consumers United for Buying”. At the time it was first total discount food stores in the nation. The chain was bought by Minnesota-based SuperValu in 1980 with five stores in the Twin Cities. It has changed hands several times since. At one time or anther the chain had stores in Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska and Wisconsin. During the 2021 and 2022 inflation period the chain came to be considered a premium brand rated as overpriced.