(St. Louis, MO): Gretchen Morfogen has joined Straub’s Markets as Director of Culinary Operations where she will create management systems for business growth and assist in preparing for the opening of Straub’s fifth store in Ellisville, MO in summer 2008.

“We are thrilled to have such an experienced culinary expert on our team,” says Trip Straub, Vice President of Straub’s Markets. “Gretchen’s leadership will further our longtime commitment to deliver the highest quality products and the best customer service.”

Morfogen, a resident of Webster Groves, brings over 27 years of experience in the food industry. She has restaurant experience from New York, Colorado, California and France. Previous retail experience includes serving on the grand opening team of Dean & DeLuca in Saint Helena, CA. She acquired a working knowledge of gourmet specialty products including cheeses, caviar, pates, charcuterie, truffles, smoked fish and wines.

Morfogen also worked for Whole Foods Market as a Specialty Team Leader for the opening of the St. Louis store and as Culinary Director of the “Whole Lifestyle Center” classroom.

Morfogen is a contributing food writer for The Healthy Planet magazine based in St. Louis. She is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, where she received the Schefflin Award for Excellence in Hospitality Management as President of the Epicures of Wine Society.

In November 2007, Straub’s Markets announced the opening of a new store, the first addition to the four-store and family-owned chain in over 40 years. The 40,000 sf Straub’s Market and Café will be over three times the size of the current four stores and unlike any grocery in the Midwest. Customers will find the familiar intimate neighborhood atmosphere, but in a larger venue with increased special offerings.

The store will represent the Straub’s tradition of high levels of service and the best quality products and, at the same time, will include new features such as a full-service cheese department, 150-seat indoor/outdoor café and a cooking school. Store number five is being designed as a destination experience, not your typical grocery. “There will be many surprises for customers,” says Straub.

Straub’s Markets has been honored twice as the NASFT Retailer of the Year and as one of The Top Ten Best Places to Buy Gourmet Food Online. The company is owned and operated by the third and fourth generation, Jack W. Straub, Jr. and his son, J.W. “Trip” Straub, III.

In 1901, William A. Straub opened the first Straub’s store in Webster Groves. In those days of horse and buggy delivery, Straub’s quickly earned a reputation for customer service, USDA prime beef and progressive quality products. In 1933, Straub’s opened in Clayton, where the corporate offices were established and remain today. In 1948, the Central West End location opened on Kingshighway across from the popular Chase Park Plaza. In 1966, the fourth store opened in Town & Country, at a time when farmland was rapidly absorbing the shift of population growth further west in St. Louis County. Visit Straub’s online for more information and to subscribe to the online newsletter at www.straubs.com.