Lueken’s Food Stores is a 100% employee-owned grocery store headquartered in Bemidji, Minnesota. Started by two brothers, the Lueken’s opened their first grocery store in 1966. After an impressive 55 years in business, Lueken’s now operates eight stores throughout Minnesota and North Dakota. In 2012, Lueken’s Food Stores became employee-owned when its founder, Joe Lueken, sold the company to its employees, implementing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Today, Lueken is proud to be 100% employee-owned. Since becoming employee-owned, Lueken’s Food Stores is committed to growing in the future for the benefit of their employee owners, their families and the communities they serve. The ownership culture at Lueken fosters an environment where employees are encouraged to make a difference through their work, ideas, and participation. Employees are empowered to grow personally and professionally while at Lueken’s. Inspiring an ownership mindset is at the core of Lueken’s approach to employee ownership. When employees think like owners, they can have a positive impact on the success of their company.