K&K Foodliner is a family affair that has been part of the city’s food scene for 62 years now. It started as a small import grocery store, Lauderdale Food Market, in 1956. The Krause family empire expanded in 1959 with the purchase of Arndt’s Food Market, then, when the third Krause brother immigrated, they opened the Whyte Avenue store, K&K Foodliner. It was agreed that all three shops would go by the K&K Foodliner name, and the three brothers – Albert, Rudolph and Leo – formed a partnership, bringing European delicacies to the Edmonton market.
When you step foot in the shop today, it still feels like a small family-run business – customers greet one another, regulars engage in spirited rapport with the staff, and the sausage is made on-site. However, manager Kevin Krause is quick to point out that the reason the store has thrived over the years is because it has been able to adapt to the market. “When I started here, there were still three different German places on Whyte Ave, and now, there’s no one left except for us on Whyte Ave. I think it’s just changing with the times, what people are looking for.”
If you’re looking to put on a full spread for your Oktoberfest celebrations – or simply have a German feast, any time of the year – there are plenty of options. “We do about 120 different products fresh on a weekly basis,” says Krause. “Authentic blood and tongue sausage, speckwurst, salamis, we do about eight different kinds of bratwurst – we make a lot of stuff!” The smokers run nearly 24 hours a day, and there are currently four apprentices learning the art of sausage making.
And when it comes to finding the perfect brat, there’s a lot to choose from – authentic German wurst, options in smaller casings for breakfast, hot brats, smoked brats, raw and cooked brats, etc. Pair it with a German mustard for a great meal.
9944 82 Ave., 780-439-6913, kandkfoodliner.com
This article appears in the October 2018 issue of Avenue Edmonton
