08/27/2026
A quick note to our amazing customers regarding our transition to using AI for the creation of the signage in our stores and some Facebook announcements.
We feel that it is unfair for a few people online to try and hold us to such an unrealistic standard. It is akin to refusing to read the news anymore because it is no longer delivered to your doorstep by a kid on a bike.
As with any changes that a company makes, there have been mixed reviews regarding this change. As a small family company celebrating 75 years proudly serving the community, we feel that you, our customers, deserve an explanation for the change.
In the 15 months since we stopped hand drawing them, we have used this technology to create and print over 4000 signs for our displays between our two locations. These signs are used for our produce displays, shelf tags in the deli, special announcements posted on the front doors, ingredient information for our soup stations, tasting notes for our featured wines and a host of other uses. Sometimes a new sign is needed because of a price change. Sometimes it’s because the product is in season locally and is now homegrown. Other examples are peaches now coming from Idaho instead of Georgia, a vintage change on a wine feature, a product is longer being available after our current display runs out or countless other reasons for us to need to update the information we are providing our customers.
Over 4000 signs.
During this same period, not one of our employees has lost their job or seen their hours decreased because they are no longer taking the time to hand make signs. Not a single one. This is because these signs were made by cashiers during the slower business hours. In fact, we have more people employed now, making higher wages, than we ever have. We have expanded our prepared foods department and staff, we have introduced our cold press juice program, added an in-house bakery and expanded our selection of homemade soups. All of these things have allowed us the opportunity to hire more and more employees! Young people who are entering the job market for the first time. College students who are grateful that we are willing to accommodate their fluctuating school schedules. Young parents who are trying to supplement their household income. Retirees who just love to get out of the house and talk to people and continue being productive. All of these people are here everyday. They are the heart of Monnette's. And, for those who qualify, we offer them health insurance and paid time off and enormous understanding and compassion when they have a sick child, or a school issue or the roads are simply too treacherous from the snow and we don’t want them out driving in it.
Due to an increase in theft at night, we began closing two hours earlier in the evening for the safety of our customers and our employees. In spite of this, we are doing more volume than ever! Increased customer traffic over the course of fewer hours, as well as handling the larger selection of products that we offer means that our cashiers have less time to make signs.
While accomplishing all of this, we have continued to sell salami and colby jack for only $3.99/lb. For those of you who have shopped with us for years, you know that this is the same price we were selling them for prior to Covid! We are able to sell eggs for less than a dollar a dozen and let people buy them by the case because they are just trying to feed their families.
Our ability to do all of these things is a result of our determination to never stop growing. Our management team works tirelessly, even in the “slow” season, looking for better deals and exciting new products, negotiating better pricing from our vendors and, yes, upgrading our equipment and embracing the latest technologies in order to keep earning your business. And we truly believe that we do it better than anyone.
So please understand that this decision, just like every other one that we make on a daily basis, was ultimately made with you, our customers, in mind. All so we can continue to provide you with great products, at unbeatable prices, with customer service that is unmatched anywhere in the area.
