Orono IGA was honored as the 2024 IGA USA Retailer of the Year. Pictured from left to right: co-owner Bob Craft, Amy Craft, Billie-Jo Pike, co-owner David Pike, and IGA CEO John Ross. (Photo submitted by IGA)

Craft, Pike Named IGA USA Retailers of the Year

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

The Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) has proudly announced that Bob Craft and David Pike, the owners of Calais and Orono IGAs, have been named IGA USA Retailers of the Year. This prestigious accolade is the highest honor bestowed upon IGA retailer members, recognizing grocers who exhibit exceptional leadership and service within their communities.

Craft and Pike will receive this award at the IGA Awards of Excellence Ceremony, scheduled for Monday, February 24, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The duo's nomination was made by their Licensed Distribution Center, C&S Wholesale Grocers, showing their significant contributions and dedication.

To further honor their achievements, IGA CEO John Ross and Senior Vice President of Retail and Business Development Doug Fritsch visited Orono IGA earlier this week. This visit allowed them to experience firsthand how Craft and Pike engage with their employees, customers, and the broader community.

With Calais IGA Staff

During the visit, insights were gathered that will contribute to the selection process for the IGA International Retailer of the Year award, which will be presented on stage at the IGA Awards of Excellence Ceremony.

Craft and Pike, who own both Orono IGA and Calais IGA, began their journey in the grocery business in their early teens under the mentorship of Ed and Kathy Bell, former owners of Calais IGA. After years of dedication and hard work, they purchased the stores in 2019, when the Bells retired.

Craft’s personal journey with IGA is a testament to his lifelong dedication and passion for the business. Growing up in Calais, Craft’s connection to IGA began as a child, shopping with his family at the local store. His admiration for the hard work of the Bell family inspired him to join the IGA team at 14, marking the start of a remarkable career. 

Pike, also a Calais native, began his career with IGA early on, and in 2000, the men each took a leap of faith to help open Orono IGA, a move that proved pivotal in their careers. Despite challenges, the two transformed an empty building into a thriving grocery store, earning the trust and loyalty of the community. Craft's personal and professional life flourished in Orono, where he met his wife, Amy, who has been instrumental in the store’s success. Likewise, Pike’s wife, Billie-Jo, manages weekly sales entries for the stores.

Craft and Pike’s dedication to their communities is evident through their various initiatives, including discounts for veterans and seniors and support for numerous local charities and organizations, among many others. Their commitment extends to their employees, offering competitive benefits and fostering a supportive work environment.

“We have an incredible, loyal team,” Craft said. “The meat department manager and assistant manager, produce manager, deli manager, dairy manager, front end manager, and one of our full-time employees have all worked at the store for well over 35 years. In fact, the meat department manager and produce manager trained me when I was in high school. The other full-time employee, Peter, actually clocked me in on the first day I worked back in 1991.” 

Websites for both locations — www.calaisiga.com and www.oronoiga.com — allow customers to access information about the stores, including the weekly sales flyer.

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