Johnson’s Foods sold to two longtime employees

Proud new owners of Johnson’s Foods, Jacob Muus and Crystal Clemmons with their families, Laura and Matteo Muss and Chris Clemmons. Chris and Crystal are holding Loki and Charlie.

For the first time since 1932, when the Johnson grocery store opened, there won’t be a Johnson in charge.

Crystal Clemmons and Jacob Muus purchased Johnson’s Foods from Mark and Robin Johnson. The sale was closed on June 27, 2022.

So, although there won’t be a Johnson running the business, Jacob noted, “Even though Crystal and I aren’t Johnsons, we feel like we are part of Johnson’s grocery store family.”

When asked if they intended to change the business name, Crystal replied, “We have no plans to change the name of the store. At least for now.”

Robin Johnson will continue to be on hand to advise and assist in training Crystal and Jacob, co-owners of the business. Both have worked at the grocery store for 13 years, Jacob as the General Manager and Crystal as the Produce Department Manager.

When asked about any changes to the business, Crystal talked about being open on Sundays. “In the past, the store was closed Sundays, but now we are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays and plan on keeping that schedule throughout the year.” However, Jacob said there wouldn’t be any significant changes for the time being. “We are thinking of ideas, but summer is busy, so we will stick with what we have been doing for now.”

“We still offer curbside ordering and delivery,” said Crystal.

“You can also order by the case and get a discount on your price that way,” said Jacob.

Johnsons has always been noted for having a strong meat department, and even though longtime butcher Marlo Larson retired a year or so ago, the department was left in good hands by his protégé, Kelly Lawrence.

“Kelly can make the sausages and other products we are well-known for, and she has brought in some new products to the meat department,” said Jacob.

Crystal talked about bringing back the vegetable and meat trays which were once a good niche for the store. “Covid pretty much ended those orders. Now that the world is returning to normal, we would love to get those going again.”

With added duties, Crystal said current staff would be looked at first to advance and fill some of her and Jacob’s work.

The transition from employee to owner was a long time in the planning, said Crystal, but she and Jacob are ready for the additional responsibilities and work that comes with being in charge. “We are excited about this chance, and while we both have much to learn, we want the public to know the business will remain a grocery store and we will be here for them.”