CLEARLAKE — Ruth and Dennis Darling opened their first store in Lake County 30 years ago.
“During 30 years serving Lake County, we have worked hard to become the community center. We have employed hundreds of local people over the years, providing opportunities for living wage jobs and college educations. We feel we have been privileged to work with all these great people.” Dennis said.
The grocery business is nothing new to the Darlings ? Dennis began his career as a courtesy clerk at the age of 16 , before being promoted to manager and eventually given the opportunity to purchase their first store from Shop N” Save in Lakeport in 1983.
In 1993, they purchased a second store from Shop N” Save in Susanville. The store in Lakeport was sold in 1998 when they purchased Foods Etc. in Clearlake.
Foods Etc. IGA was recently named IGA International retailer of the year for the second time since joining IGA in 1998.
The Darlings” second store, Susanville Supermarket in Susanville, was also recognized as an IGA International Retailer of theYear in 2009.
Foods Etc. and Susanville Supermarket have achieved the top 5 Star rating from IGA for 14 years in a row.
Since moving to Lake County 32 years ago, the Darlings have been active in community service. Ruth is a past president of the Rotary Club of Lakeport and has long served in leadership roles in the schools and community.
Dennis is a longtime school board member, a past president of the Clearlake Rotary who has been recognized as Rotarian of the Year, Lions Club Citizen of the Year and Konocti School District Man of the Year.
Store manager Lamont Kucer is the past Chamber of Commerce president and has supported many youth activities. Bookkeeper Bonnie Ramsey is a past Little League secretary, and deli manager Stacey Groat just finished a year as a Little League coach.
“We are most proud of our support for the children in our community,” Ruth said.
Ruth and Dennis were recently recognized by Congressman Mike Thompson as youth advocates of the year at the Stars of Lake County awards. Foods Etc. sponsors the annual Kids Fest where in addition to games and prizes, child fingerprinting and fire safety tips are offered.
Foods Etc. also sponsors sports teams, nonprofits and other school events.
