(10/28) For decades, locals and visitors alike have utilized Trout’s Seafood and Deli Market in Woodsboro for all their grocery, market, and deli needs.
Now, Trout’s may have a new face in management, but what hasn’t changed is the local market’s commitment to community service.
Diya Rajbhandari of Walkersville recently took the reins of Trout’s following the retirement of its previous owner John Trout. Rajbhandari said that owning a business in the community she calls home has always been an aspiration.
Rajbhandari said she adores Woodsboro’s small-town community feel and how friendly and welcoming it is. "I know change is hard, but I’m going to do everything in my power to connect with every customer who walks thought the door, to learn their first names, and ensure they are getting everything they need," she said.
According to Rajbhandari, what sets Trout’s apart is its above and beyond customer service that includes helping carry bags and loading them into cars.
"It’s the small things that no one else does that can make a huge impact," Rajbhandari said, noting she found some regulars travel far out of the way to shop Trout’s thanks to this dedication of quality service.
Rajbhandari credits Trout’s long serving employees as a guiding force and the ownership transition has been nothing less than a team effort. "The staff here are all wonderful!"
Store manager Denise Cook has been a part of Trout’s for 30 years and loves the daily interaction with her customers. Cook noted that she can see Rajbhandari clearly "wants to stay true to the roots that are here."
Customers can expect the same personalized shopping experience that has become synonymous with Trout’s for decades. Rajbhandari promises to do her best to ensure the same love and tender care that has greeted customers for years and encourages feedback from customers.
Rajbhandari is not only is looking to keep the very best of Trout’s approaches to treating customers, but also to add new service aspects, especially for senior citizens, such as free delivery within a five-mile radius and more focus in the deli for hot home-cooked food. "They can call us up and tell us what they need. We’ll be here to take their call and then delivery their groceries," she said
"We are here to provide what they need. Anything you’re looking for, you can find it here, and if we don’t have it, we’ll get it for you," Rajbhandari stated.
Woodsboro Burgess Heath Barnes said he was thrilled that Trout’s stayed in local hands and was not gobbled up by a large grocery chain who would ignore local customers. "Rajbhandari stepped in to ensure Woodsboro had a local market, and for that, I am grateful to her."
Commissioners John Cutshall and Bill Rittelmeyer echoed Barnes’ comments and they were glad a true local stepped up to the plate to run Trout’s. "We’re lucky we have Trout’s," said Cutshall. "Very few towns have grocery markets the vast majority of residents can walk to. We’re very, very lucky. We all need to support Trout’s to make sure that luck continues."
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