Dan and Sibhan Stokes, Connie Collierand Daniel Collier

3615 Mt. Diablo Boulevard

When Betty and Ed Stokes left Ashville, North Carolina, they had already worked together at Betty’s father’s feed store and A&P Grocery. Once in California, Ed studied at Cal and worked nights at the U-Save in Berkeley while Betty raised their two children and helped out in meat wrapping. Fast forward a couple of years and Ed becomes president of the seven U-Save stores which are eventually sold to Lee Brothers. When Lee Brothers closes in 1968, they sold the Lafayette store to Ed and Betty and, well, the rest is local history and one of the most unique and delightful aspects of our community – Diablo Foods.

It is a true family business in town – Dan Stokes and his sister, Connie Collier now own and run the store. Dan’s wife, Sibhan, spearheads the organic produce and floral departments. Connie’s son, Daniel is the store manager. Most of the employees have deep connections to the store as well. Leo and his team can be found directing traffic in the parking lot all day. The cashiers are often grandchilddren of former employees. Local teenagers work as baggers and stockers. While I walked to the back office for this interview with Connie, she greeted multiple customers by name, gave the OK for the store to carry a special dog treat made by a local baker, and helped the chef of a restaurant in town pick out some organic produce.

It is not just the people that are community, however; the products on sale represent the diversity and richness of our local economy. All the desserts are made locally. All the produce is farmed within 50 miles of the store. The wine selection spotlights the best of California (and Lafayette) vineyards. The olive oil, honey, cheeses and breads are made in neighboring communities by local artisans. And if you are looking for a home-made sandwich, freshly prepared sushi or a butcher who can suggest (and supply) a delicious marinade for a special cut of meat that he/she “has in the back,” then come on by. “It’s the people who make the difference,” says Dan Stokes, “we care about the customer.”