What if the grocery store wasn’t just a place to shop — but an experience designed around quality, hospitality, and trust?
On today’s episode, we welcome Marc Jonna, Co-Founder and President of Plum Market — the specialty grocery chain redefining what a premium food experience can be. A third-generation grocer, Marc grew up in the business, stepping into leadership of his family’s seven-store operation at just 19 before it was acquired by Whole Foods in 1998. After serving on Whole Foods’ national leadership team, Marc and his brother Matt set out to build something different — launching Plum Market in 2007 as a deliberate response to what they believed the industry was missing.
Today, Plum Market has grown into a 35+ location business spanning grocery, airports, and foodservice, with a focus on high-quality, locally sourced products, chef-driven prepared foods made entirely from scratch, and a hospitality-first approach to retail. With a clear point of view — from defining “local” as within 350 miles to curating a mix of artisanal and everyday essentials — the brand has carved out a unique position in an increasingly competitive landscape.
In this episode, Marc shares what he learned growing up in a family-run grocery business, his experience inside Whole Foods during a pivotal moment in its growth, and how those lessons shaped the vision for Plum Market. We discuss the realities of grocery economics, why most retailers struggle to balance quality and scale, and how Marc has built a business that prioritizes both experience and discipline. He also opens up about scaling a family-owned company in a world of publicly traded competitors, evaluating new opportunities like airports and new markets, and staying true to a clear mission while expanding nationwide.
If you’re interested in the future of grocery, building experience-driven retail brands, or what it really takes to compete — and win — in a complex, low-margin industry, this episode is for you. Tune in now on The Kara Goldin Show.