Food City in Maryville will host the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, at 1715 W Broadway, Maryville.
The eight-horse hitch will be pulling the famous red beer wagon. Other visits will be to the JCPenney store in Turkey Creek, 11534 Parkside Drive, 3-7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1; and the Fantasy of Lights Christmas Parade in Gatlinburg, 7:30-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3.
Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan
The iconic Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan will be making an appearance at several Food City locations during the Thanksgiving holiday. Mark your calendar and make plans to attend and enjoy photos with Santa, product sampling (while supplies last), festive holiday music and the Coca-Cola Polar Bear character.
Since 1997, the Coca-Cola Caravan has been bringing the magic of Christmas all around the country. Thousands of sparking lights spread joy and cheer. Residents of all ages are fascinated by its beauty and eagerly await the brilliance and splendor each year.
- Today (11/24) the Caravan will be at stores in Johnson City, Tennessee, and Abingdon, Virginia.
- Saturday, it will be in Pigeon Forge, from noon to 3 p.m. at Express by Food City, and from 6-9 p.m. at the new Food City, 3064 Teaster Lane.
- On Sunday, Nov. 28, the Caravan will be in Knoxville, from noon to 3 p.m. at Food City’s new store, 6710 Malone Creek Drive off Schaad Road; and from 6-9 p.m. at the West Knoxville store, 284 Morrell Road.
Three new VPs
Food City recently promoted three long-time associates to the position of vice president: Steve Holloway, vice president of Meat and Seafood Operations, Bucky Slagle, vice president of Produce and Floral Operations, and David Haaf, vice president of Food Service and Starbucks Operations.
Steven C. Smith, Food City president and CEO, said he has watched the men rise through the company ranks. “They’re dedicated to our customers, our associates and the communities we serve.”
Steve Holloway
Steve Holloway began his grocery career at age 16, working part-time for a Knoxville-based retail group. He attended Middle Tennessee State University, and returned to Knoxville after graduation to become meat manager for White Stores. In 1990, Food City acquired the White Store chain. Holloway was promoted and served 10 years as district meat trainer/supervisor. He has most recently been director of meat and seafood operations. Holloway and his wife, Melissa, are parents of daughter, Courtney, and son, Jarrod. They reside in Kingsport, Tennessee.
Bucky Slagle
Bucky Slagle joined the Food City team in 1988, enrolling in the company’s assistant store manager training program. He served as an assistant store manager for two years before being promoted to store manager, where he served for six years. Slagle was promoted to district manager for Food City’s Knoxville division in 1998, responsible for the oversight of 13 supermarkets. In 2016, he was promoted to director of produce and floral. Slagle graduated from Emory and Henry College in Emory, Virginia. He and wife Amiee live in Gray, Tennessee with daughters, Aliee and Emilee.
David Haaf
Chef David Haaf joined the Food City team in 2005, serving as corporate executive chef, responsible for a team of eight culinary trainers. In 2008, he was promoted to director of food service. In 2017, Chef Haaf helped open the company’s first in-store Starbucks café which has now grown to 32 locations. He holds numerous certifications and two associate degrees. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1992-96, serving in Japan, Korea, Thailand and Cuba. He and wife Mellaine live in Gray, Tennessee, with daughter, Asiana.
Opportunities to give
Race Against Hunger enables Food City customers to donate at checkout for local hunger relief organizations. Last year’s program raised over $600,000. This promotion runs through November.
Friends & Pets in Need is in its fourth year. Food City customers may purchase a bag of non-perishable food items or pet food products for $10. After buying the bag, customer deposits it in a barrel at front of store. Promotion runs through December.
Holiday hiring: Food City continues to hire for full- or part-time jobs, entry-level or skilled positions. Interested candidates, can apply online at FoodCity.com or visit any Food City store to complete an application.
Betsi James is special events manager for Food City’s Knoxville and Chattanooga divisions.