ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — One of St. John’s oldest and iconic grocery stores has a new look, with the charming neighbourhood presence.
Belbin’s Grocery on Quidi Vidi Road was all abuzz Thursday with business officials, politicians, reporters and customers gathering to see its new look.
“What a job to be proud of,” Aiden Coleman, director of business development for the Coleman Group of Companies, which took over the business last year, said during the ceremony.
“The passion and pursuit of excellence are on full display for all to see. It’s as if some band of merry elves descended upon this place and completely transposed it overnight.”
Some of the changes include a new hot bar and fresh salad bar, expanded produce section in the front of the store and an updated interior, adding a modern element while respecting the history of the storied local grocer.
The transformation of the business came about as a result of two family businesses — Belbin’s and Coleman’s — coming together.
Established in 1943, Belbin’s has been a mainstay in the downtown area of the capital city throughout the decades, which saw expansion in the 1960s and a new generation of sons take over in the 1980s.
Coleman said in taking over the business last year, it was important to preserve Belbin’s identity.
“(Coleman’s) has seen in this enterprise, an identity worth preserving, as separate and unique,” he said. “That took serious investment, commitment and guts, as change is neither easy nor guaranteed to work.”
He thanked the Belbin’s family, who has offered them guidance, and their loyal customers for their support and patience.
“Thank you for trusting us with this business and for engaging with us in how to best grow and move forward …,” he said.
“Here’s to the next 76 years.”
Former owner Robert Belbin, whose grandfather opened the business back then, said he has many happy memories of the store. He said three generations of his family and employees worked hard for more than seven decades to ensure good service and quality products.
He said the decision to have Coleman’s purchase the business felt good, as he felt Coleman’s demonstrated that same vision.
“Change is not always welcome. It’s difficult, it’s cumbersome and everyone has to work around it, but in this case, we can all agree the end justifies the means,” he said.
“When you look at what we’ve done before and what Coleman’s has done now, if you put it in bakery terms, Belbin’s baked the cake and Coleman’s put the icing on it.
“So, what’s been created here is a lovely, old, new store.”
Twitter: @TelyRosie
