Going to the store to get groceries used to be difficult for Chris Govrik's family.
With four children including a 10-month-old, it is no surprise that the Mendota Heights family at one point turned to ordering groceries online as a solution. But after becoming disenchanted with next-day deliveries and other inconveniences, Govrik and his wife decided to create their own grocery-delivery service.
On Monday, the couple's online service, Go Go Grocery, opens for business, serving residents in Mendota Heights, Mendota and parts of St. Paul, West St. Paul and Eagan.
Customers choose the groceries and alcoholic beverages they want online. They also select when they want their items delivered.
Orders are faxed to Go Go employees at Korte's grocery store in St. Paul. Wines and spirits are kept for retrieval at a location in Mendota. Products can be delivered to customers within an hour.
"It works especially well for families with small children," Govrik said, adding later, "It's difficult to have to pack everyone up to leave, but for $4.95, you can have the groceries come to you."
It costs about $10 for immediate deliveries and $5 for scheduled deliveries, which can be up to a week in advance. Shoppers must purchase $35 worth of either groceries or wine and spirits. They can also select food from Buon Giorno Italian Market in Lilydale.
There are plans to expand the service into Minneapolis and other parts of Dakota County next year, Govrik said.
