C&K Market history

Nidiffer, who replaced Kimberly, jointly operated the 3,200-square-foot store with Collins at its original location until 1963.

The company incorporated in 1967, taking its name from the Collins and Kimberly partnership, the new corporation was set up as C&K Market, Inc.

In 1969, Collins decided to retire and sold his interest to Ray.

The strategy proved a wise one, and, by 1988, C&K had become the 62nd largest private company in Oregon, still closely held and managed.

By 1990, C&K had more than 20 stores and was generating revenues of $144 million.

In addition, the company had "an open-door policy" on grievances. "From box boy and girl on up," Nidiffer noted in a 1993 Progressive Grocer article, "we work hard to keep employees happy." He went on to claim that "we work them hard too.

1994 The company introduces its own private label program.

According to Nidiffer in a February 1995 Progressive Grocer article, there was "a lot of opportunity in northern California." As for Oregon, the chain wanted "to go further north, into Salem."

In 1997, Ray decided to retire and passed the responsibility of running the company to his son, Doug Nidiffer.

In 2005, Doug’s son, Alan Nidiffer, re-joined the company after earning his degree at Oregon State and has served in various roles, most recently as Executive Vice President.

In 2006, Ray's Food Place in Bend took part in a pilot project with the Oregon Liquor Control Commission to locate liquor stores in supermarkets.