Festival Foods:
Over 75 Years of Family, Fun & Food
For more than 75 years, Festival Foods has fueled a culture of excellence — from positively impacting communities to ensuring quality products and an exceptional experience. It's a place where customers are guests and associates are family. It's a place where family, fun and food come together. It's a place where the successes of the last 75 years fuel an ongoing passion for the next 75. Take a look:
Timeline
Today
As a family- and employee-owned company, Festival Foods operates 42 grocery stores with a commitment to provide exceptional food and an extraordinary experience for years to come.
2021
Festival Foods purchases Trig’s locations in Wausau, Weston and Stevens Point in December 2021.
2007
Festival Foods held the first annual Turkey Trot – a Thanksgiving Day tradition for runners, walkers and dogs of all ages. Benefiting the local YMCA and Boys & Girls Clubs, this community event is the perfect guilt-free solution for eating your weight in mashed potatoes.
2006
Dave’s son Mark Skogen — a third generation family member — became CEO. Mark continues to serve as Festival Foods President and CEO.
2005
Festival Foods converts the Skogen’s IGA location in Holmen, Wisconsin to a Festival Foods.
2003
Festival’s Boomerang Principle was born — every business decision made at Festival Foods is based on the question, ‘Will it bring the guest back?’
1999
Festival became a Servant Leadership Company. What does that mean? It means associates and management alike work ‘side by side’ to ensure each individual has everything they need to succeed within their position.
1999
The Festival ‘Big Cart’ — the largest shopping cart in the world, standing 12.5 feet high and 18 feet long — made its first appearance.
1997
Festival Foods sponsors annual fireworks shows across the state. Today, Festival Foods sponsors an annual fireworks show in 18 cities in Wisconsin.
1993
Festival Foods introduced Ribs on a Stick — a favorite for tailgate-goers and family dinner alike. Made out of boneless center cut pork loins, they’re split and skewered in plain or marinated varieties and are great on a grill or in the oven.
1990
The Skogen family identified a shifting trend in consumer buying habits and decided a change of store format was best for the company’s future. The first Skogen-owned Festival Foods grocery store was opened in Onalaska.
1987
Adding to a growing number of signature items, the Skogen family created a premium quality blend of lean meats and savory spices researched from the Old World recipes of German sausage makers. This meaty recipe was proudly named Oktoberfest Brats. Smothered with tangy kraut and spicy mustard or sizzling solo in a river of red ketchup – this quickly emerged a brat lover’s brat!
1975
The very first Skogen’s Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) opened in Onalaska’s Center 90 shopping center. Paul’s son, Dave, joined the family business and was committed to operating with a hands-on philosophy.
1974-82
The company grew to seven Skogen’s IGA stores in Wisconsin and Dave Skogen was named president of the company.
1946
With only $500 of borrowed money and a lot of enthusiasm, Paul and Jane Skogen opened a 3,000 square foot grocery store that was attached to their house in Onalaska, Wisconsin.