From supermarket sweethearts to Four Square owners: Darryl and Kellie Cooper begin a new chapter in Mangawhai Heads
After more than 20 years working in supermarkets and nearly two decades after first meeting in-store, Darryl and Kellie Cooper have become the new local owners of Four Square Mangawhai Heads.
The couple bring extensive grocery experience and a simple focus. Serving their community and creating a welcoming store for locals and visitors alike.
When Kellie Cooper took a checkout supervisor role at PAK'nSAVE Whakatāne 18 years ago, she wasn't expecting to meet her future husband.
At the time, Darryl was the store's grocery manager. What began as a workplace romance grew into a shared career in the grocery industry, taking the pair across multiple supermarkets in the North Island and resulting in the opportunity to purchase their first store, Four Square Mangawhai Heads.
"We've spent a big part of our lives in this industry," says Kellie. "It's where we met, it's where we've built our careers, and now it's given us the opportunity to own a store together. That's pretty special."
Darryl and Kellie have spent more than 20 years building their careers in supermarkets, working their way through a range of roles across several North Island stores and gaining experience in customer service, buying, store leadership and operations. Along the way, they worked with a number of respected owner-operators, including Quintin Proctor of PAK'nSAVE Wairau Road, whose strong focus on people and community helped shape their own approach to store ownership.
"The way Quintin looked after his team and supported his community really stuck with me," says Darryl. "He showed me that local ownership is about more than running a business. It's about creating opportunities for your people, backing local organisations and being part of the community you serve.”
With encouragement from Quintin and longtime owner operator friends Hamish and Ally Bell and Mark Oliver, Darryl completed Foodstuffs' ownership development programme before successfully applying for Four Square Mangawhai Heads. Since being approved as the owner operators in June this year, Darryl and Kellie have spent time getting to know the team and their customers, supported by former owner Hamish.
"Hamish has been fantastic, anything we need to know he's got the answers to," says Darryl. "The team here is so good too. I can't believe how lucky we are."
The warm welcome from locals also confirmed they had made the right decision.
"One customer brought me soup because she was worried I wasn't eating properly while Kellie wasn't here," says Darryl. "People have been incredibly welcoming and we're already feeling at home."
As local business owners, Darryl and Kellie are focused on continuing the store’s community connections. Supporting organisations such as Surf Life Saving Mangawhai Heads, the Mangawhai Fire Brigade and St John Ambulance and Te Whai Community Trust is a priority, alongside getting involved in local events throughout the year. Inside the store, their focus is on creating a welcoming shopping experience, continuing to refine the range based on customer feedback and bringing Scooptopia, Four Square's own ice cream parlour, to Mangawhai Heads in time for summer.
After more than 20 years working side by side in the grocery industry, Darryl and Kellie are grateful for the opportunity to own their first store together.
"We're proud to be local store owners," says Darryl. "Our job is to make sure this store reflects the community around it. If we're supporting local groups, looking after our team and providing great service, we'll know we're doing a good job."
For a couple whose story began in the aisles of a supermarket nearly two decades ago, Four Square Mangawhai Heads feels like the perfect next chapter.