Comfort food with local flair
SCHENECTADY—One of the Capital Region’s most celebrated comfort foods is now on the shelves at Market 32/Price Chopper.
The supermarket chain announced Wednesday, Feb. 27 that Allie B’s Mac & Cheese, a local favorite, is available at 21 Market 32/Price Chopper locations in both hot grab-and-go and take-and-heat containers. Customers can also find it on the hot buffet and order it through the company’s online catering service.
The retail launch coincided with a sampling event at the Market 32 store on Central Avenue in Albany, where customers could try the dish that took first place at last year’s 14th annual Mac and Cheese Bowl in Cohoes.
The introduction of Allie B’s Mac & Cheese marks a new type of partnership for Market 32/Price Chopper, as it becomes the first Foodfare department item to be part of the company’s “home.grown.” initiative. The program highlights high-quality, locally made products.
“We take immense pride in spotlighting the very best of our community’s food culture, and Allie B’s Mac & Cheese defines that,” said Blaine Bringhurst, president of Market 32/Price Chopper. “This outstanding addition to our stores reflects the strength of our small business partnerships and our commitment to bringing customers the highest quality, most delicious locally crafted products.”
Each container of Allie B’s Mac & Cheese features the Market 32/Price Chopper and Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen logos, signaling a collaboration between the grocery chain and Albany-based chef and restaurateur Kizzy Williams. Williams, who owns Allie B’s Cozy Kitchen on Clinton Avenue, has built a loyal following for her rich, creamy mac and cheese, made with hand-cracked eggs, a blend of choice cheeses, and Market 32/Price Chopper’s PICS and Own-Brand ingredients.
The expansion of Allie B’s Mac & Cheese into supermarkets is another milestone for Williams, who was among the early grant recipients of the Business for Good Foundation, a nonprofit focused on closing economic gaps for small business owners.
“To be able to share our award-winning recipe with so many more people throughout the Capital Region is a dream come true,” Williams said. “As a Black female entrepreneur, I hope my story inspires others, especially young Black women, to pursue their dreams.”
Williams worked closely with Market 32/Price Chopper’s merchandising and marketing teams to ensure her mac and cheese met retail standards, setting a precedent for future small business partnerships.
“We’re proud to continue to support Kizzy in her journey and are excited to help bring Allie B’s Mac & Cheese to households across the region,” said Ed Mitzen, co-founder of the Business for Good Foundation.
According to a Market32 statement, The Capital Region Chamber helped bring Market 32/Price Chopper and Allie B’s together. Mark Eagan, the Chamber’s president and CEO, underlining the power of connecting small businesses with corporate partners.
“Our Leadership Capital Region program helped make the right introduction,” Eagan said. “It is a testament to the power of collaboration between small businesses, corporate partners, and community organizations.”
To celebrate the launch, Market 32/Price Chopper will hold free sampling events at participating stores through Tuesday, April 15.
Events will take place at various locations, including stores in Brunswick, Clifton Park, Glenmont, and East Greenbush, welcoming customers to try the dish before purchasing.
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