(JOHNSTON, IA) – Fareway Stores, Inc. welcomed twenty-six of its top employees from across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota to its corporate office on July 29th for the highly anticipated Regional Best Bagger Competition. The event showcased the speed, skill, and precision of Fareway’s grocery baggers, celebrating their essential role in customer service and store efficiency.
Contestants were judged on three key criteria: time, weight distribution, and overall packaging technique. Each participant demonstrated their ability to bag groceries quickly while maintaining balance and protecting fragile items—skills that reflect Fareway’s commitment to quality and care.
The competition was spirited and friendly, with cheering colleagues and family members in attendance. Fareway’s leadership team praised the participants for their dedication and professionalism.
“This event highlights the incredible talent and attention to detail our employees bring to their work every day,” Rick Beckwith, Vice President with Fareway Stores, Inc. said. “We’re proud to recognize their contributions and celebrate their excellence.”
Winners from this regional round will advance to state-level competitions, continuing Fareway’s tradition of excellence in customer service.
Top Three Finishers:
1st Place: Tristan Hollister – Owatonna, MN Fareway Meat & Grocery
2nd Place: Austin Kollasch – Omaha, NE Fareway Meat & Grocery
3rd Place: Daven Peterson – Boone, IA Fareway Meat & Grocery
Iowa Contestants advancing to state competition at the 2025 Iowa State Fair:
Daven Petersen - Boone
Tapanga Blom - Oskaloosa
Brady Dierks - Marion
Hunter Ellis Hanscom - Osceola
Tanner Eisentrager – Ankeny (North)
Brody Reese – Eagle Grove
Kendra Schuette - Carroll
Nebraska contestants advancing to state competition:
Austin Kollasch – Omaha
Jozlyn Bartunek – Nebraska City
Minnesota contestants advancing to state competition:
Tristan Hollister – Owatonna
Mario Martinez – Worthington
Carlene Hand – Fairmont
South Dakota contestant advancing to state competition:
Creighton Chambers - Harrisburg
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.