Cox Foods Revitalizes Tradition with a Family Touch

When Tate Cox took the reins of his family business in 2020, he had no idea what challenges he was about to face. Of course, that is the case with almost every new business owner, even those who, like Tate, have grown up in the industry.

But Tate had extra challenges that would test the mettle of even the most seasoned entrepreneurs, including scaling back from rapid expansion and navigating the complexities of a changing market.

Then, just weeks later, a global pandemic brought about the biggest management test most companies had ever seen.

Through all these obstacles, Tate, along with his team of dedicated employees at Cox Foods, managed to not only make it through, but to grow sales and thrive like never before.

This made it all the sweeter when, just three years later, Tate got the phone call from his wholesaler, Laurel Grocery Company, telling him that he had been named IGA’s Retailer of the Year.

A Legacy Built on Family and Resilience

The Cox family's journey in the grocery business began in the late 1970s and early 1980s when Tate’s father, Jimmy Cox, ventured into the industry through his father-in-law. Despite a series of personal and professional challenges, including a battle with Parkinson's disease and eventual passing, Jimmy built a strong foundation, expanding to 14 stores across Kentucky and Ohio, with the aid of his son, Martin, who is Tate’s older brother. The stores have since strategically downsized to five IGA locations.

Tate initially focused on a career in exercise science with a master's degree in sports leadership. Although he grew up in the stores, he never envisioned himself in the grocery business. However, when circumstances demanded it, he stepped into his father and brother’s roles in February of 2020. By March, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of complexity, testing Tate’s resolve and leadership.

"From the moment I started, it’s been full throttle," Tate reflects. "COVID was such a weird and unique time of trying to manage all the newness, all the regulations that you had to follow, all the product shortages, the supply chain issues. We had to balance keeping our customers and employees safe while making sure we could use the additional sales to pay down debt and set ourselves up for success once the pandemic was over."

Jimmy Cox in the store in the 1980s.

The Heartbeat of the Region

In a region where entertainment options are limited, the Cox IGA stores have long been a vital part of daily life, offering both essential goods and a sense of community. With the nearest Walmart sometimes 20–30 minutes away, they became even more crucial.

“We have always tried to be there for the community, whether it was supporting the church, schools, or sports teams. Over the last few years, we have also focused on raising money for breast cancer research and helping out during the historic flooding in 2022 by distributing thousands of bottles of water, providing hot meals, and cleaning supplies.”

A Triumph of Teamwork and Recognition

Winning the IGA Retailer of the Year award in 2023 was a testament to the collective effort of Tate and his team.

“I was honestly pretty shocked and overwhelmed,” Tate admits. “To get from where we were in early 2020 to winning the award in 2023 is a huge leap. It’s definitely a team effort. It’s their award, not mine. If we hadn’t taken care of our customers and employees during such a chaotic time, we could have been in a very different position.”

The award has not only boosted morale but also reinforced the store’s standing within the community and beyond. It provided a tangible acknowledgment of their commitment and hard work, helping to further solidify their reputation as not only one of the best IGAs in the region, but one of the best in the world. Tate also mentions that the award was made extra special when IGA CEO John Ross came to visit the store.

IGA CEO John Ross presents the Certificate of Achievement to Tate Cox in 2023.

Best Practices and Innovations

Today, Tate continues to adopt new strategies to keep up employee morale, starting with regular recognition. Tate believes that “the strength of our company is our communication and our knowledge and experience.”

Weekly conference calls are one way to ensure that every manager and employee is aligned with the store’s goals. With managers that have as much as 40 years of experience in the industry, these meetings are a great way to share best practices and information across departments. But these meetings also serve to improve the culture as a whole: “it really is a family atmosphere. Everybody is laughing and joking around.”

Tate also knows that it is important to recognize and celebrate employees throughout the stores. Cox Food All Stars, for example, is a new initiative to reward exceptional employees with appreciation for their job well done. Prizes include star-shaped balls with custom messages acknowledging exceptional service and gift cards. These tokens have helped foster a positive and supportive work environment.

Understand your Competition

Tate also continues to set his stores apart from the competition. Some of the ways he does this are through distinctive in-store offerings. He uses IGA’s quarterly signage kits to keep the store vibrant and appealing, ensuring that customers are consistently welcomed with a fresh look. He also focuses on niche items, such as their renowned coleslaw.

But, Tate also knows that a great aesthetic and great local offerings can only get you so far. At the end of the day, price matters.

Tate explains that “you have got to get your everyday pricing right. In order to compete, your pricing has to be competitive with the best of the best. If you don’t give people a reason to come shop with you, there are too many options.”

The Legacy Continues

With the Retailer of the Year banner still hanging proudly in his store, Tate Cox’s journey is a compelling example of how leadership, family values, and community commitment can drive success in the grocery industry. His story is not just about managing stores but about revitalizing a legacy and making a meaningful impact on both his team and the community he serves.