B&B Market is your locally owned small town meat market and convenience store with a ton of character. John and Kim have owned the store for more than 30 years. Sitting down with them and seeing the sparkle in their eyes as they talk about the store's history and taking it over from Kim's parents in the late 1980s was very enjoyable. John grew up on a farm but didn't know anything about cutting meat when they took over the store. He went to the library, got a book on cutting meat, and taught himself what to do.
We got married in May of 1988, bought the store in July, and got pregnant in September. Three kids later, numerous stories, we continue to thrive. - Kim
The store is known for its large selection of meats, beef sticks, cheeses, and their specialty of over 25 different types of brats. They sell homemade salads, vegetables, fruit, baked goods, chips, canned goods, lottery tickets, gas, and seasonal items - pumpkins and Christmas trees. It is your one-stop specialty store. You can also order a wide variety of meat bundles to stock your refrigerator or freezer. They also provide catering for any event by providing a large variety of food options, beverages, desserts, paper products at affordable prices. One of their largest services is their cookout trailers that can cook hotdogs, brats, burgers, steaks, and anything in between. They also have a B&B wagon outside the store during the summer to offer customers hotdogs, brats, and burgers all day long. It's an excellent option for a quality lunch when you may be pressed on time or want to spend some time with the family.
It is school first, family second, and then work. We are very flexible with scheduling the kids, but when you come to work, you are here to work! We have employed many students over the past 33 years. - John
The store has provided thousands of part-time jobs for students throughout the years. In fact, many students return to the store in their adult lives and say, "Thank You. You taught us how to work."
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the employees of B&B ramped up their efforts, making sure to meet customers' needs and directing attention to helping the community with a "Food Train" of donations. A local insurance agent named Lenny Conklin started the train by donating enough money to buy 100 1-pound packages of hamburger meat. After Lenny's donation, John posted the idea for the food train on social media, and the Cloquet community jumped on board to help. The Minnesota Vikings also recognized the Food Train in the "Frontline Features." To date, the Food Train has received and distributed more than $200K worth of food. This effort is a true testament to the Passion and Love John and Kim have for the community.
Stop by B&B Market located at 506 Big Lake Rd. and say hello to John and Kim. Cloquet, MN, 55720.