Luekens-Glow-Logo

Bemidji, Minnesota

Then

Then: 1966

Lueken's Food Stores, Inc. was founded in 1966 by Joe Lueken. He built his business on honesty and serving his employees and customers like family.

Joe Lueken - Founder and CEO 1966-2012
Joe Lueken
Founder and CEO, 1966 - 2012

NOW

NOW: 2023

Lueken's Food Stores are 100% employee-owned.
Today, we have 8 stores in 3 communities in Minnesota and North Dakota. We are committed to future growth exclusively for the benefit of our employee-owners, their families and communities in which we live.

WHY

Why We Do What We Do

We exist to build stronger employees, families, and community by sharing ownership and supporting our local economies. This purpose was written through contributions from employees at all levels of the company. We are a diverse team. We all have our own life goals and dreams, but our purpose is what unites us.

HOW

How We Do What We Do

Our core values are centered around honesty, making a positive difference, and improving lives. Like our Purpose, our values were stated by employee-owners at all levels of the company. This is how we learn to think and act like owners.

Top-Places-To-Work
  • 2011 - Joe Lueken
    Charlie Naylor Lifetime Achievement Award
  • 2012 - Minnesota Top Workplaces
    Minneapolis Star Tribune
  • 2013 - Minnesota Top Workplaces
    Minneapolis Star Tribune
  • 2014 - Minnesota Top Workplaces
    Minneapolis Star Tribune
  • 2019 - Business of the Year
    The Business of the Year Award celebrates the resilience, fortitude and vital role these businesses play in building our region’s reputation as an incubator for ideas and economic growth.
  • 2021 - Healthy Workplace
    The Healthy Workplace Award is given to businesses who provide opportunities for employee involvement, growth and recognition; implements health and safety measures; supports work-life balance; and cultivates a culture that advances the health and well-being of their staff.
  • 2021 - National Top Workplaces
    Minneapolis Star Tribune

WHAT

What We Do

We are food enthusiasts!
We enthusiastically put food on the tables of our community; whether our customers or families in need through local organizations.
Food brings us all together.
Come join us at our table!

NEXT

What's Next

Employee ownership is the future of a more prosperous and shared economy. Imagine what can be accomplished in an organization dedicated to its employees, families, and community.
Join our team and make a difference.
We have very exciting plans for the future!

Join Our Team

The Employee Ownership Opportunity

Business ownership is the number one path to building wealth, around the world. An ESOP is a means to put ownership in the hands of employees without the associated financial hurdles and risk. The only investment required is your passion and drive to make a positive difference through your work, ideas, and participation.

What's in it For You?

Be part of a growing organization that wants you to grow with it. Learn how to think like an owner and develop skills that will help you both personally and professionally. We want to make a positive difference in every life we touch, whether you want to stay on our team and even if your dream is to pursue a difference career.

Employee Ownership is the Future

Fifty by Fifty is an organization dedicated to promoting employee ownership with the goal of 50 million employee owners by 2050. We whole-heartedly support this goal and are doing our part in contributing to its success by building employees to think and act like owners, with the voice of an owner.

Lueken's Village Foods

At Lueken’s Food Stores, we value a positive attitude, integrity, family and fun and that shares a strong work ethic and dedication to first-class service. As a Lueken’s employee, you can look forward to rewarding opportunities in a great team environment. If you are a person who will flourish in the high energy culture of employee-ownership and you approach life with a friendly and positive attitude, we invite you to apply.

Please drop off a completed application at either of our Bemidji locations or send it via email to hiring@luekens.com