Set to Open New Furniture Store on North End

This is one in a series of features highlighting the ‘Genesee 10 to Watch’ and Spark Award recipients.

Energy efficient refrigeration and energy efficient lighting are among the ways that Hutchinson Food & Drugs works to be environmentally friendly as they provide their customers with “the freshest food” in town.  That’s the motto that has driven the Hanoush family to maintain a strong 27-year commitment to their customers.

Andy Hanoush, operations manager of Hutchinson Food & Drugs describes his family’s commitment to growing the north end of Flint as a desire to lead the way in commercial revitalization of the area.  He says they are not only committed to providing fresh food to the community, but also to improving the quality of life for residents.

“We are celebrating 27 years in this community and we are happy that we can provide the freshest food in an environmentally friendly environment,” said Hanoush.  “When we updated our refrigeration and lighting we made an investment that has more than paid for itself.  We now enjoy lower utility costs and can invest the money we are saving to better serve our customers.”

The Hutchinson brand is also expanding to include the opening of a brand new furniture store three blocks from Hutchinson Food & Drug.  Hutchinson Furniture, which is slated to open in September, is located in a formerly vacant building on the corner of Carpenter and Saginaw.  Hanoush says his family business, which includes his father Aziz Hanoush, renovated the vacant building to provide options for residents in the area that have not existed in quite some time.

“It’s time to revitalize the north end of Flint and we want to lead the way,” said Hanoush.  “We decided to renovate this vacant 1,200 square foot building to create a furniture store and provide three additional storefronts where others can join us. Hopefully other businesses will follow our lead and we can have a rebirth on Saginaw Street, which is the gateway to downtown.”

Hanoush credits the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce and Metro Community Development with helping him secure the support needed to make the project a reality.  He says both organizations played a vital role in securing the financial and project assistance necessary to make his family's dream a reality.

The Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce recently honored Hutchinson Food & Drug as a Genesee 10 to Watch for serving the Flint community and setting an example as a ‘green’ business.