History

In 1956, Raymond L. Nidiffer, "Ray", purchased a one-half interest in the 3,200 sq. ft. C&K Market in Brookings, Oregon. Ray bought out Kimberly and joined Collins in the C&K partnership. The partners jointly operated this store until 1963 when they moved the business to a 10,000 sq.ft. leased building a few blocks down Chetco Avenue in Brookings Oregon and the site of the present 35,000 sq. ft. Ray's #1 supermarket which has undergone five major remodels.

The company has grown slowly but steadily in the ensuing forty plus years, reaching a total of 51 stores in 2004. Along the way, substantial changes occurred in ownership and operation. The company incorporated in 1967, taking its name from the Collins and Kimberly partnership, the new corporation was set up as C&K Market, Inc.

In 1969, Collins decided to retire and sold his interest to Ray. As the sole owner of the corporation, Ray began growing the company. He built up the administrative and operations staff at his Brookings corporate office and settled down to the business of acquiring stores. With growth came opportunity in the form of store owners who were ready to retire and wanted to sell to a proven operator and shopping center developers who were looking for an anchor store.

Careful analysis and discussion of each proposed acquisition regarding size, age, volume of sales and strategic location proved a successful strategy. Most of the stores purchased or leased helped the company continue to grow.

In 1997, Ray decided to retire and passed the responsibility of running the company to his son, Doug Nidiffer. Raised in the grocery environment, Doug has spent most of his formative years in the industry. Doug has continued his stewardship of the company and the ideals set forth by his father Ray, continuing to acquire and build new store locations, while updating and remodeling existing locations.

In 2005, Doug's son, Alan Nidiffer, re-joined the company after earning his degree in IS/MIS, and has served in various roles, most recently Vice-President/Information Technology & Public Relations.

As of 2008, the company operated 59 stores in Oregon and California.