As it approaches its 25th anniversary as a local, family-owned business, eight-store Kowalski's Markets is taking customers on a stroll down memory lane via its September e-newsletter.

The newsletter reflects on the company's origins in the grocery business, starting with the purchase of the Red Owl Market in Woodbury, Minn., Kowalski's trio of owners is recalling

"It has been a journey from those early days to our current eight stores, and we are happy to announce that our company will be growing with the opening of our ninth market in Eagan later this fall," said co-owners Jim, Mary Anne and Kris Kowalski in the newsletter. "We've learned a lot about the ever-changing grocery business over the past 25 years, and we hope that has made us a better company."

The Kowalskis said from the start, they sought customers input by gathering neighbors on the front porch of their home and asking them what they were looking for in a grocery store. That practice continues today with quarterly consumer group meetings.

To thank customers for their loyalty over the years, Kowalski's will host a customer appreciation event on Sat., Sept. 20, featuring samples of many of the grocer's signature products in every department. The sampling will included two items created especially for the event: Mary Anne's Cafe Blend Coffee, and Mary Anne's Classic Cake, the latter of which is an adaptation of a long-time family favorite.