(St. Louis, MO): Jeff Watkin has joined Straub’s Markets as Graphic Designer. He will be based in the Clayton Straub’s Corporate Office and handle all graphics for the four-store, and soon to be five-store, chain.

“We welcome Jeff to our expanding team with his creative design skills and experience,” says Trip Straub, Vice President of Straub’s Markets.

Watkin, a resident of Overland, previously worked as Graphic Designer for the Marketing Department of EcoDigital Development Group. He also did Digital Freelance work for numerous businesses and organizations, including Southern Illinois University, Wakarusa Music Festival, All American Cheer and Dance, and Tractor Supply Co.(TSC).

Watkin has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communication Design with a Minor in Art History (2003) from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL.

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 reflect 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.