How Piggly Wiggly Showcases Local Beer And Wine
Piggly Wiggly has a history of doing things differently. According to its "About Us" page, it was the first grocery store to have checkout counters, use employee uniforms, utilize refrigerated cases for produce, and to offer franchising opportunities.
Immediately recognizable for its cute and quirky pig logo, Piggly Wiggly stores have an established history of selling groceries for more than 100 years. Founded in 1916 in Memphis, Tennessee, the format of the very first store broke the mold for grocery stores by presenting a self-service shopping experience, according to the company. At the time, this was distinct from the typical store model, where a clerk collected the goods for the customer. That format proved to be successful, and the company now has more than 500 locations in 17 states.
Piggly Wiggly continues to set itself apart from other grocery stores by offering specialized products, per Southern Living. These highlight Piggly Wiggly's commitment to selling regional specialties, with locally made and grown food items.
From wine cellars to growler stations
A focus on locally produced beer and wine continues to make Piggly Wiggly a popular destination for shoppers, per Southern Living. Many stores across the South have added features to highlight local wine and beer, such as wine cellars and growler stations. Monday Night Brewing also praised Piggly Wiggly for its commitment to local beer by selling 64-ounce growlers of high-quality beer.
On the website for locally owned Fox Bros. Piggly Wiggly stores in southeastern Wisconsin, the group of franchise locations promote its selection of craft beer and a wide variety of wine, even suggesting possible wine and food pairings. The Fox Bros. Piggly Wiggly locations previously partnered with Milwaukee brewer MobCraft Brewery to create a craft beer contest during which customers were asked to submit beer ideas. The winning beer was then sold at all Fox Bros. Piggly Wiggly stores, the MobCraft Taproom, and several area bars. Next time you want locally made wine or beer, check out your local Piggly Wiggly store — and don't forget to buy some locally made pretzels and cheese to pair with it.