Reams adds personality to grocery shopping

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SPRINGVILLE – Its “friendly barn” logo was new four years ago, and the interior of Ream’s Springville Market is new within the last six months, with more still to come as time and opportunity permit.

“We still have a few more ideas we would like to complete around the store,” Amberly Brimhall told Serve Daily. Brimhall is one of the store’s owners. “We have done this remodel ourselves and with the help of friends and family. It has been a lot of work but a lot of fun watching our ideas come to life.”

Ream’s Springville Market, 759 East 400 South, offers online grocery shopping with same-day home delivery services, which is a convenience to some. Others prefer shopping in a place that brings wide smiles to customers’ faces.

“I like it here,” said Johanna Spivens of Springville as she filled a plastic bottle with orange juice she fresh-squeezed with the help of a self-service machine in the produce department. “It’s pretty. It’s clean. The people are friendly and I always leave happy.”

The remodel affected each area of the 45,000-square foot store that dates to the store’s founding in 1991.

A pharmacy was added. It has state-of-the-art computer systems, a drive-up window, and a private consultation room with one-on-one time with one of Ream’s two pharmacists, Kyle Lynn and Jeff Russell. Vaccinations are offered for flu, whooping cough, shingles and pneumonia.

The bakery was moved; ithas a new oven and several new display cases. Chaz and Carrie Hill, who have been baking at Ream’s Springville Market for more than 16 years, are known for being one of the few “scratch bakeries” left in Utah Valley, Brimhall said.

“They are known for home-style breads, donuts and over 30 varieties of fritters,” the owner continued.

Next to the pergola that frames the floral department at the right of the store entrance is

the fresh orange juice-making machine that is an incredibly tasty highlight of the produce department. Two sizes of containers are next to the machine. Just put one under the spigot, press the lever and watch the oranges drop into squeeze position.

“Our produce department is second to none,” Brimhall said. “Our produce manager, Brandon Stephenson, works with our suppliers to get the freshest produce, often picked just the day before, and trucked directly to our store.” Upon request, Stephenson sends emails to customers to let them know when a fresh shipment of strawberries or raspberries has arrived.

Reams also is known for the exotic fruits and vegetables from other countries Stephenson brings in for customers to try.

“Custom Cuts” is the name of the remodeled meat department, where meat is hand-trimmed by Cory Campbell – when he’s not having fun making short videos for Ream’s Facebook page – and his team. This department still grinds, cuts, and wraps fresh meat daily, and cooks barbecued ribs, pulled pork, prime rib and other items on demand.

There are new dairy coolers and another aisle for frozen foods in the remodeled Ream’s, plus a new cheese gondola and coolers for homemade salads, wraps, pot pies and more. Pizza crusts are hand-tossed and baked in a cherry wood-fired oven for taste not found in more typical ovens.

“Our new décor is authentic to us, our area and our customers,” Brimhall said. “We love the nostalgic feel of each department and the times it makes us think of.”

Ream’s, which employs about 100 people, keeps about 50,000 different products on its shelves. The “house brand” is Western Family, with several national brands as well, and with the remodel came in some new brands: Simply done, for paper goods; PAWS pet supplies and food; Tippy Toes baby goods; and TOPCARE over-the-counter meds, first-aid, health and beauty supplies.

“We believe in people and principles before profit, and that organizations exist so ordinary people can do extra-ordinary things,” Brimhall said. “We’ve built an atmosphere of excitement, loyalty and family here.

“We are your hometown, local market with the best customer service because we know your name,” the owner continued. “We are your neighbors and friends.”