At the heart of Bender’s Foods lies a story of family, tradition, and community commitment, spanning several generations. The photograph captures a momentous occasion: the ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring the Bender family. Randy Bender, the guiding force as President and CEO of Bender’s Enterprise, alongside his wife Marta, stands proud. Central to the image is Randy’s mother, affectionately known by friends and family as Ronnie, with her husband Jake. They instilled the grocery business’s values in the family from an early age. By Ronnie’s side is Randy and Marta’s son, Jake (Jacob), who plays a crucial role as the General Manager for the Wisconsin locations and serves as the Vice President of Bender’s Enterprise, with his fiancée, Jodi Deckert, next to him, highlighting a family united not just by blood but by their shared dedication to the business.
Bender’s Foods is more than just a grocery store; it’s a legacy of excellence in service, quality, and community convenience, nurtured by Randy Bender. Growing up with his father Jake, a long-time manager at Randall’s Foods, Randy learned the ropes of the grocery business through hands-on experience across various locations. This foundation led to the establishment of the first Bender’s Foods in Denver, IA, in 1986, by Randy and Marta, marking the beginning of a new chapter.
The journey continued as the Bender family decided to move closer to their roots, opening a new store in Bellevue, IA, in 1991. Here, Randy and Marta raised their four children, Jacob, Rachel, Megan, and Danielle, all of whom contributed to the family business from a young age. The expansion into Wisconsin began in 2002 with a store in Fennimore, WI, followed by the opening of a Guttenberg, IA, store in 2004. These developments paved the way for further growth, remodels, and upgrades, enhancing the shopping experience across all locations.
Jacob Bender embraced his heritage by stepping into a leadership role within the family business, overseeing the Wisconsin stores as Vice President. The addition of a fourth store in Muscoda, WI, in 2017, and the unveiling of a state-of-the-art Fennimore store in 2018, underscore Bender’s Foods’ commitment to innovation and community service. The Fennimore store, now the largest in the Bender’s Foods portfolio, offers an array of products and services, including fresh gourmet popcorn, a coffee and soda bar, daily fresh-smoked meats, and convenient banking solutions.
For over three decades, Bender’s Foods has remained steadfast in its dedication to the communities it serves. Supporting local non-profits, engaging in community events, and contributing over $25,000 annually to various causes, Bender’s Foods is a testament to the power of giving back. This enduring commitment ensures that every purchase at Bender’s Foods not only brings joy to your table but also contributes to the greater good of the community.
We extend our heartfelt thanks for your continued support of Bender’s Foods, enabling us to give back and make a difference in the community that has embraced us. The Bender family’s journey is a vivid illustration of passion, perseverance, and the enduring value of community, setting the stage for generations of excellence to come.
