(JOHNSTON, IA) – Fareway Stores, Inc. is proud to announce that Austin Kollasch of Fareway Store #215 in Omaha has once again claimed the top spot at the annual Nebraska Best Bagger Contest, hosted by the Nebraska Grocery Industry Association.
The event took place October 7th at Tiburon Golf Club in Omaha, drawing a crowd of nearly 100 enthusiastic supporters.
The competition showcased five of Nebraska’s finest grocery baggers in two preliminary heats followed by a final round. Contestants were judged on their ability to bag over 35 commonly purchased grocery items into reusable shopping bags, with scoring based on speed, weight distribution, item arrangement, and personal style.
Austin Kollasch earned 1st Place honors, continuing his winning streak after also securing the championship title in 2024. Joining him on the podium was Jozlyn Bartunek of Fareway Store #118 in Nebraska City, who earned a well-deserved 2nd Place finish.
“We’re incredibly proud of Austin and Jozlyn for their outstanding performance and dedication,” Mike McCormick, Chief Retail Officer at Fareway Stores, Inc. said, “Austin’s back-to-back victories are a testament to his skill and commitment to excellence, and we’re thrilled to see him represent Nebraska, once again, on the national stage.”
As the reigning state champion, Austin will go on to represent Nebraska at the National Grocers Association’s Best Bagger Competition in Las Vegas, February 2026.
Fareway extends heartfelt congratulations and appreciation to both Austin and Jozlyn for their hard work, sportsmanship, and continued representation of Fareway’s values.
Kollasch, son of Ryan Kollasch, regional supervisor for Fareway Stores, Inc. joins Iowa champion, Brady Diercks from Store #949-1 Marion & Kansas champion, Blaine Leyden from Store #226-1 Olathe, son of Dru Leyden Market Manager at Store #226-2 as participants for the upcoming National Bagging Championship in Las Vegas.
About Fareway:
Fareway Stores, Inc. is a growing Midwest grocery company currently operating 142 stores in a seven-state region. Fareway’s mission is to provide the highest quality products, while treating customers like family, and valuing dedicated employees. Its stores are known for their unmatched, full-service meat departments, farm-fresh produce, and exceptional to-your-car customer service. Fareway is a family-owned business, recognized as a top 10 employer in Iowa, and has more than 13,000 total employees. Visit Fareway.com for more information or shop online by visiting Shop.Fareway.com.