((L-R) Lauren G.D. Redman,CEO & President / Leader of the Pack of Rudy’s Markets Inc. and Rudy Dory, Founder and Head Cheerleader of Rudy’s Markets Inc. | Photo courtesy of Rudy’s Markets Inc.)
Rudy’s Markets Inc., Central Oregon’s only locally founded, 100% employee-owned grocery company, is celebrating 50 years of serving the region by doing what it has always done best — giving back to the community that made it possible.
Throughout 2026, Newport Avenue Market, Oliver Lemon’s, and Ollie’s Kitchen will mark the company’s golden anniversary with two yearlong initiatives designed to celebrate customers while supporting neighbors in need, including a monthly Gold Bar Giveaway and up to $100,000 in matching donations to fight hunger across Central Oregon.
“When we started this company in 1976, the goal was simple: serve good food and treat people right,” said Rudy Dory, founder of Rudy’s Markets Inc. “Choosing to become 100% employee-owned was about honoring the people who built this business day in and day out. Celebrating our 50th anniversary by giving back — through fighting hunger and investing in our community — feels like the most natural way to say thank you.”
As part of the anniversary celebration, Rudy’s Markets Inc. will give away one real gold bar each month in 2026, for a total of 12 winners. Customers are automatically entered once per month when using their Foode Flash card at checkout. No purchase is necessary and official rule details will be posted in-store and online.
Alongside the giveaway, the company is committing to match customer donations at in-store checkout up to $100,000 to support food-focused nonprofits across Central Oregon! Donations of any amount will be accepted year-round at all locations. Matching funds will allow partner nonprofits to purchase food at wholesale cost, stretching every dollar further for families facing food insecurity.
“Turning 50 is worth celebrating, but for us, it’s also about gratitude,” said Lauren G. D. Redman, leader of the pack / CEO and president of Rudy’s Markets Inc. “Over all these years, our purpose hasn’t changed. We exist because of this community, and we believe our success should benefit everyone who shops, works, and lives here.”
Rudy’s Markets Inc. traces its roots to 1976, when founder Rudy Dory opened a single, ground-up grocery store in La Pine with $914 in his pocket. Over the decades, Dory and his wife Debbie grew the business to nine stores across the state. “Our roots go deep in this community,” said Dory. “My wife was born here, as was her mother, 93 years ago. I think it’s safe to say our roots go deep and any business should give back to their home.”
In 2015, the family made the decision to sell the company to its employees — at no cost — creating Central Oregon’s only locally founded, 100% employee-owned grocery company. That transition ensured the company’s long-term independence, kept dollars circulating locally, and provided meaningful retirement benefits and career opportunities for employee-owners, all while maintaining competitive pay, robust benefits, and a strong commitment to community support. “This is our home, and we will keep investing in it as long as we can,” continued Dory. “We are glad to give back to the community that has supported us all these years, and it’s a blessing to do so.
“A big thank you to the customers, because without them we wouldn’t have anything. We’ve been very fortunate to have loyal neighbors as customers. We’ve tried to be the best community citizens for them, getting involved with local nonprofits and trying to give back. Without customers, we’re nothing.”
For more information about Rudy’s Markets Inc.’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, including official Gold Bar Giveaway rules and donation details, visit newportavemarket.com.
About Rudy’s Markets Inc.:
Since opening its flagship grocery store in 1976, Rudy’s Markets has been the #1 choice for food lovers in Central Oregon. Today, Rudy’s Markets Inc. operates three locally founded, 100% employee-owned grocery brands: Newport Avenue Market in Bend, Oliver Lemon’s in Sisters and Terrebonne, and Ollie’s Kitchen in Redmond. Rudy’s Markets offers shoppers hard-to-find and everyday food items, kitchenware and unusual gifts, while supporting local producers and providing an expansive selection of high-quality food and beverage items.
