Yoke's honored as top chamber business

PONDERAY — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has named Yoke’s Fresh Market as its business of the month for December.

Marshall and Harriet Yoke opened their first store in 1946 and has always managed to keep the customer as its first priority. In 1975, Chuck Yoke opened one of the region’s first “warehouse market” formats, allowing customers to mark their own items and save money. He later became one of the first in the area to add full-service delis, pharmacies and floral departments.

Chuck believed so much in the people that helped him to build the Yoke’s grocery empire, in 1990, he sold the stores to his employees, leading the way for employee-owned enterprise in our area. Today, John Bole leads the company with the Yoke’s Fresh Market concept — creating a truly unique shopping experience that continues to focus on the customer by delivering high-quality products at refreshingly low prices.

“Yoke’s feels like family,” said Ponderay store manager Dusty Johnson. “There’s an overwhelming sense of loyalty and community with both guests and employees.”

Of their 105 employees, 16 have been with the company for 25 years and four have been there since 1982. Yoke’s Fresh Market joined the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce in 1987, making them one of the longest standing members.

Yoke’s is very generous with their giving in the community, and their focus is on the area schools. Their annual golf tournament raises money to benefit eastern Bonner County middle and high school athletic departments. Every year they donate $25,000 to Sandpoint High School and $2500 each to Sandpoint Middle School and Clark Fork Junior/Senior High School.

Information: 208-263-4613, find them at 212 Bonner Mall Way, follow them on Facebook or find them online at Yoke’sfreshmarkets.com.