Ralph's Market In Moorestown Expanded Offerings Amid Pandemic

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Ralph’s Market has been a Moorestown institution for more than 70 years. During the coronavirus pandemic, the owners of the market showed that the longstanding market can adapt to changing times, and as a result, it was nominated as a Business of the Year.

“Ralph's Market broadened their already varied options to include everyday grocery items like milk and eggs, updated their offerings every day on Facebook, and adeptly switched to curbside delivery early on,” customer Margaret Manzi said in nominating the Main Street market. “Meeting customers' needs in trying circumstances is a tall order for such a small business, but they stepped up.”

These items were added to Ralph’s selection of meat, fish and deli products.

“People were looking for an alternative to a grocery store,” co-owner Zach Boren said. “We expanded our offerings to meet the community’s needs.”

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As an essential business, Ralph’s was able to stay open throughout the pandemic. As they expanded their offerings, the owners found they were attracting more business. Ralph’s already had a solid local base, as well as customers who would come in from neighboring towns and from across the bridge, said Boren, who bought Ralph’s Market a little more than three years ago.

“I’ve always been in the restaurant business, and this opportunity became available,” Boren said. “The previous owner was looking to retire, and rather than let this longstanding tradition go by the wayside, he was looking for someone to take it over.”

That’s where Zach and Jamie Boren stepped in. When the couple purchased the business, they became the third owners of Ralph’s Market since the Gregorio Family opened the business in 1943.

“They were some big shoes to fill,” Boren said.

They also weren’t about to let a pandemic bring an end to one of Moorestown’s longest continuously-running businesses. They added items that supermarkets offer that Ralph’s didn’t necessarily have previously, including eggs, milk, butter, deli items, frozen foods and other items.

Now, residents who had reservations about being around crowds in a big supermarket during a public health crisis could find what they were looking for at a trusted local spot.

And it looks like it will stay that way, as Boren said Ralph’s will continue to offer these items beyond the end of the pandemic.

Ralph’s didn’t have to change their hours, and Boren credits a strong local clientele, as well as his “awesome employees and family and the dedication to service” with Ralph’s being able to stay open throughout the pandemic.

Ralph’s Market is located at 137 West Main Street, and is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and closed on Sundays. It can be reached at 856-235-0132. For more information, visit Ralph’s Market on Facebook.