Our markets were created out of our family's love and passion for delicious, healthy foods and inspired by families looking for a place where they'd love to shop and be proud to call their own. The flow of our markets is designed to be easy and convenient. The environment is relaxed and well organized. It's the kind of place you'll feel comfortable running into for a quick gift or a forgotten item. Most importantly, it's a place where you can shop at your own pace, mingle freely with staff and friends, and discover something new each time you visit.
Whether it's your first time shopping with us or you've been a loyal customer for years, we promise to always do our best to make you feel like family.
Our Story
Back in 1983, Jim Kowalski was working for Red Owl and took note of their store on Grand Avenue that seemed to be underperforming. Together with his wife Mary Anne, their life savings and a loan from a friend, they decided to take a ride down the grocery aisle. In March of 1986, they purchased another Red Owl Country Store in White Bear Lake and converted it to a Kowalski's Market ...
Our Civic Business Philosophy
Kowalski Companies is a civic business. All stakeholders are obligated to organize, educate, and set policy according to democratic principles and standards. We do this in partnership with other demonstrations of the Midwest Active Citizenship Initiative to renew and sustain democracy and to create a world that is abundant and just.
Our Awards
Thanks to the support of our loyal customers, we've been fortunate to receive a lot of awards. Thanks to all of you who continue to support Kowalski's. That's the best award we could ever get.
Kowalski's is WBENC Certified
As a women-owned business, we recognize the strength and value of women's voices and achievements. Kowalski's owner Mary Anne Kowalski and CEO Kris Kowalski Christiansen are constantly working to improve the grocery industry and local communities through their civic leadership.
Certification by the Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) validates that a business is at least 51 percent owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or women. This means one or more women must have unrestricted control of the business, a demonstrated management of day-to-day operations, and a proportionate investment of capital or expertise. To become certified, business owners undergo a thorough vetting process, including a review of business documentation and a site visit.
Because of this thorough process, WBENC Certification is considered the gold standard for women-owned business certification and is accepted by more than 1,000 corporations, in addition to some states, cities, and other entities.