Shopper’s Corner customer spotlight: Tracey & Stig Neilsen

Shopper’s Corner, been a staple for Santa Cruz families and foodies alike for over 80 years. Tracey and Stig Neilsen have been customers for 40 years of those years and shared their deep appreciation for this family-owned institution.

Tracey, who is the principal at Vine Hill Elementary, recalled her childhood experiences at the market, “All the butchers knew our names. I remember the guys giving me hot dogs which I thought were pretty cool! Shopper’s was always a welcoming family experience.” Stig added, “Shopper’s then and now is old-school Santa Cruz.”

The Neilsens also shared their appreciation for Shopper’s as an important community fixture that takes pride in supporting local vendors with their wide array of local products. Tracey noted, “Shopper’s is not a huge store, but it somehow has everything you need, along with the personal attention you won’t get elsewhere.” Stig agrees, adding, “Shopper’s knows the food trends and they are always open to bringing in new products, or even special-ordering for customers.”

Tracey and Stig Neilsen, Shopper’s Corner customer spotlight

(Paul Eisenberg)

Shopper’s commitment to quality and community is what makes it unique. Stig noted, “First of all, it’s third-generation family-owned, and it’s nice that you’ll find [owner] Andre [Beauregard] on the floor engaging with customers.”

Customers like Tracey and Stig appreciate the quality of products and services that Shopper’s offers. Well known for their full-service meat counter, Stig appreciates the novelty of their local expertise stating, “with Shopper’s meats, we know that we can trust the quality and how it’s handled.”

Shopper’s Corner has become a local business that the community can rely on for quality products, personal attention, and commitment to the community. The Neilsens’ experiences and appreciation for the local grocer reflect the sentiment many hold towards this long-standing business.

* * *

Get to know Tracey & Stig

Tracey Neilsen, 40-Year Customer, Scotts Valley
Occupation: Vine Hill Elementary Principal
Hobbies: Family time, travel, cooking, walking/hiking, reading, movies

Stig Neilsen, 40-Year Customer, Scotts Valley
Occupation: Customer Service
Hobbies: Family time, swimming, cooking, walking/hiking, travel, movies

* * *

Shopper’s Recipe of the Week

Slow Cooker Corned Beef & Cabbage

Equipment

• Slow Cooker- 6 quart or larger

Ingredients

• 2-4 lbs. Corned beef brisket (flat or point cut) (with seasoning packet that is included)
• 1 white onion, sliced (this is optional but good!)
• 2 lbs. red or gold potatoes (or a mixture of both!) Peel them if you’d like!
• 3 carrots sliced thick
• 2 garlic cloves peeled
• 1/2 head cabbage cut into thin wedges
• 1 1/2 cup water (or see notes below for other liquid ideas)

For serving:

• parsley for garnish
• melted butter for potatoes if desired
• horseradish or stone-ground mustard

Instructions

• Add the sliced onion to the slow cooker.
• Add the corned beef to your slow cooker. Sprinkle over the included seasoning packet.
• Add your baby potatoes on top of the roast. If your potatoes are larger you can halve them to ensure they get tender. Add the carrots and garlic.
• Pour over the water. Add cabbage now if you want ultra-tender cabbage. Otherwise wait to add it until the last 2 hours.
• Place the lid on the slow cooker.
• Cook on HIGH for 5 hours or LOW for 8 hours total. (Add the cabbage during the last 2 hours). You may have to rearrange things into the pot to get the cabbage to fit (or cut your cabbage thinner).
• Remove the meat onto a cutting board and slice into strips.
• Serve the meat with potatoes, carrots, and cabbage.
• Drizzle melted butter over the potatoes if desired. Serve with horseradish mustard or stone ground mustard.