When you walk into Hitchcock’s in Alachua you almost inevitably walk into Pat Good, Natural and British Foods manager. Her enthusiasm for her products and genuine concern for her clients well being are key to the success of the Natural foods and British foods department at Hitchcock’s supermarket in Alachua. It was difficult for me to do this interview with Pat as customers that came into the store would talk to her saying things like, “Pat I just found out that I am allergic to wheat and something called gluten, what should I do?” and “I can’t believe you got my Irish bacon in”. Pat Good is a labyrinth of information in the natural foods industry as well a British foods specialist.
Seeing a huge interest in natural products Ms. Good has educated herself on every aspect. She can tell you what each product tastes like, its health benefits and how to cook it and use it. If customers have headaches Pat knows what foods they should avoid or if they are having other medical problems Pat usually has some very interesting information on how to naturally help or overcome it. Pat helped Sandra Mount find alternative products when she had a health problem that stopped Sandra from eating dairy products. “I’ve been shopping at Hitchcock’s since 2001. Pat is always very helpful and knows all about the products. This store carries everything I need: I don’t have to shop anywhere else.”
Gluten free products have become a very hot item as more customers are walking in saying they just found out they are allergic to gluten as gluten is a part of wheat that is in almost all of our foods.
Wayne Josleyn, Hitchcock’s Vice President says “It’s become an epidemic with over 3 million Americans suffering from celiac disease or another form of gluten intolerance. Gluten-free products have become an important part of our business. The wife of our company’s President became suddenly ill, losing a considerable amount of weight due to intolerance to gluten products. It took doctors 6 months to find out what she had. It upset her stomach to the point where she was unable to eat.”
Hitchcock’s has big plans to increase its range of natural foods, adding more than 100 new items to an already impressive stock. A small Denver-based company called Udi’s produces gluten-free artisan breads. Pat says this bread has great flavor and texture and the company recently started supplying Hitchcock’s with several other items including delicious gluten-free blueberry muffins.
Pat says with joy in her voice, “this is Happyville right here in this store. I look down the aisle and greet everyone and I very seldom get a grouch. People are happy, and I like to make them smile, you just can’t beat it.
To contact Pat call Hitchcock’s (386) 462-1314 or visit www.myhitchcocks.com
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