Third Generation Takes Reins Of Expanding Bethel Food Market

BETHEL — The Caraluzzi family has launched a complete make-over of their Bethel Food Market on Greenwood Avenue in Bethel. This marks the fifth renovation of the 52-year-old business in as many decades.

The family is bringing together a very local team for the improvements which will add approximately 5,000 square feet to the 30,000 square foot store. Customers will see remodeling features such as “new floors, ceiling, lighting fixtures, walls, cases, paint, wallpaper – the works,” according to Tony Caraluzzi, Jr. “Many longtime Bethel contractors and Bethel Food Market customers will make up our construction crew,” which is being headed up by Buddy Clarkson of Corporate Contractors. Clarkson and many of his associates worked at Bethel Food as young students attending high school in years past.

Mr Caraluzzi said that besides expanding the Bethel store, his family has been interested in opening a store in Newtown but talks with C&S Wholesale Grocers of Brattleboro, Vt., the owner of the former Grand Union, have stopped.

“We were talking with C&S several months ago, and offers were made,” he said. “I guess it is still open but there hasn’t been any dialogue in two months. We left on good terms but I’m not encouraged by the (current) lack of dialogue.”

C&S sold most of the former Grand Union stores, he noted.

“Sometimes with big companies, little stores (that are left) are not a priority,” he said.

Mr Caraluzzi said that because a third generation is now involved in the Bethel Food Market, the company is looking to expand.

“We are still aggressively seeking other locations,” he said. “I think we would do well in Newtown. There is room in Newtown for another store, a store that provides service with a smile.”

There were 11 food and grocery stores in Bethel in 1959 when Bethel Food first opened. Today, it is the only grocery store left in the Bethel.

The latest renovations are expected to be completed by the holidays and will include an expanded produce department with the addition of a greenhouse that will carry many seasonal flourishes. An effort will be made to stock a complete line of organic fruits and vegetables as well as value-added produce such as precut fresh foods for dinner table to help service the demand for wholesome foods prepared in advance for today’s customers on the go.

Bethel Food Market is also adding ovens so that more cooking can be done on the premises for salads, meats, and meatless foods to go. The deli will have a large work area and the bakery department is being expanded to twice its current size. A huge selection of cheeses from around the world will be added to the already very large gourmet section.

Many upgrades will also be seen in frozen foods and the seafood department. A fresh sushi line is also being added. “People today don’t have time to cook as often as they used to,” according to Mr Caraluzzi. “Our aim is to give them many new ideas that are ready to go, both hot and cold, that are delicious, fresh, and very enjoyable.”

Many of Bethel Food Market’s customers will see little or no interruptions as the renovations are made to the store. Extraordinary steps have been taken to make certain that the majority of construction is done at night over the course of five evenings throughout each week.

Children of original founders, Anthony and Julia Caraluzzi will be stepping back and continue to serve the organization in advisory roles. Tony, Jr, Ed, and Bobby have worked with their parents to build the business for nearly its entire 52-year-history. Tony, Sr, still comes to the store daily to look over the operation.

Third generation Caraluzzis have now been promoted to take the reins of running the day-to-day family operation. While each has very specific roles in running the family’s business, they also have divisional responsibilities in the corporate structure of specific ventures developed by the family.

Jennifer Caraluzzi Dimyan has been named vice president – controller and special events. She manages Nutmeg Discount Liquors, also located on Greenwood Avenue in Bethel.

Steven Caraluzzi has been named vice president – procurement and human resources and is seen daily running the grocery operation along with cousin Matt Caraluzzi, who was named vice president – customer relations and MIS. A fourth cousin, Mark Caraluzzi, joins the management team as vice president – marketing and business development.

In spite of the formalities, however, any member of the Caraluzzi family can bee seen at any time moving cartons, packing meat, or helping out at registers a lot more often than you’ll find them behind the desk.

“The heart of our business is customer relationships,” Mark Caraluzzi added. “Our grandfather taught us all that.”