by Sally Sedgwick

Several years ago Rob Powell and Becca Boggs decided it was time for a change. Last year, the opportunity
to purchase Kocian’s Family Market came up, and the couple decided this was the direction they wanted to take.
After ten months of planning and working out the details, they became the new owners of the iconic grocery store
in mid February.
Started in 1947 by Bernie Kocian and continued by his son Mike Kocian, the store has a long history of serving
the Bigfork community in three different store locations. It became especially known for its meat department, and
that won’t change, said Rob. Kocian’s double smoked hams, homemade summer sausage, beef sticks and hamsalad
… and particularly the periodic meat sales where shoppers can buy large cuts and have them cut to order … will
still be featured in the store. The meat department also processes and cuts wild game.
Along with new faces, there will be new things for customers to discover. Becca discovered a two gallon pot
on an internet marketplace, and now that pot holds different homemade soups each day that often sell out – including
Rob’s Chicken Wild Rice. The deli, too, offers homemade hot lunches and salads daily. Upcoming specials can
always be found on the store’s active Facebook page.
Wish the store would carry a favorite brand? The couple said to be sure to ask. They regularly carry some
trial brands as well as locally produced products like maple syrup, barbecue sauce and honey.
For the future they plan on adding new services gradually as they learn the business, but high on their list are
upgrading the sidewalk and installing a new sign. They are also looking forward to the annual Anniversary Open
House in August.