75 years of Zehrs: Building community, one connection at a time

At Zehrs^TM, community has always meant more than just selling groceries to customers; it includes the connections we build, the people we support, and the relationships that grow along the way. For store managers Maddison and Couper, Zehrs has been the backdrop to their journey; from colleagues, to partners, to parents. 

Their story began nearly a decade ago at Zehrs Heartland in Guelph, Ont. Maddison had recently joined the team as a fresh assistant store manager, and Couper was the produce manager, already gaining experience in leadership through manager on demand (MOD) shifts. Though they held different roles, they were treated as peers, two strong leaders in the making, working side by side through shared challenges and long days.  

One night in particular stands out. Couper had been asked to help at Zehrs Laurentian in Kitchener, Ont., the store that Maddison worked in for most of her career. He gave Maddison a call to learn a bit about the store and without being asked, Maddison showed up late that night to help him close the store on her own time. She walked him through unfamiliar processes, stayed until the end, and ensured nothing was missed. That moment sparked a connection that would grow steadily, even as their careers took them to different locations. Maddison and Couper never worked in the same store after becoming a couple, something they say helped strengthen their personal and professional balance. “Retail isn’t your typical schedule,” Couper says. “There are weekends, evenings and holidays. Having a partner who understands that lifestyle makes a big difference.” 

For both Maddison and Couper, Zehrs is more than just an employer. Zehrs is a part of their family story. Their connection to the brand goes back generations, with siblings, parents, aunts, and grandparents having worked in stores across the region. That deep family legacy and their own paths make Zehrs feel like home. “One of the things I’ve always admired about Couper is his work ethic and his values around family,” Maddison shares. “Zehrs has felt like such a natural fit for us because those values are shared here.” 

Today, Maddison and Couper are both seasoned store managers with nearly a decade of leadership experience between them. They’re raising two young daughters and continue to mentor others, support their colleagues, and lead with heart. From helping other stores, to coaching future leaders, they’re a living example of how Zehrs’ people-first culture shows up every day, in big ways and small. As Zehrs celebrates 75 years, their story is a reminder of what’s made the brand special from the start: a focus on people, purpose, and community. 

Their journey is a testament to how, at Zehrs, people don’t just develop careers. They build lasting connections.