History of EPI

EPI 30th anniversary

History

The EPI store was founded in 1994 by Michał Kosela, a Wrocław-based entrepreneur, passionate about quality and good food. “All the best for our customer” – this motto of EPI quickly made the store recognized and unrivalled nationwide. EPI is an award-winning store that is highly regarded by customers for its wide assortment, friendly service and unique atmosphere.

Polish family business

EPI is now a family business, and Michał Kosela’s work is continued by his wife Elwira Urban-Kosela and children Julia, Maciej and Michał Kosela Junior. The store, along with a production facility in Bielany Wrocławskie, employs more than 200 people. As a Polish family business, EPI received the 2021 “Hermes” award in the Retail with Traditions Category. In this way, the award chapter recognized EPI Delicatessen and, above all, Michał Kosela for his visionary work and enormous contribution to the development of trade in Poland.

Michał Kosela creator of EPI

When Michał Kosela founded EPI in 1994, he was then the owner of Epiplast, a construction company that poured specialized floors for industrial halls. In reference to the name of the epidian plastic, EPI market was established in 1994. It quickly became a huge passion, a business and a source of pride.

All the best for our customer

“All the best for our customer” – this principle was taken very seriously from the beginning. The idea of a store unlike any other turned out to be a hit. In the days of early capitalism, EPI stood out from the competition. Nearly all of the store’s equipment came from Germany, transported on 21 trucks. At the time when in Poland people traded in open air markets using field beds as stands, in EPI, employees were dressed in company uniforms, air conditioning was installed in the store, scanners were installed at the cash registers, and cured meats – an absolute novelty in Poland – were sliced. The friendly approach and high quality of service were supervised by Michał himself, who was present in the store every day. He often stressed that EPI is the kind of store he would love to shop at himself. He was in it almost all the time, talking to customers, advising them, asking about expectations, but also supporting employees. In this way, he tailored his offerings to the changing needs and capabilities of his customers.

Awards for Wrocław EPI

The uniqueness of the store was very quickly noticed by customers, but also appreciated against the nationwide competition. As early as 1996, EPI in Wrocław was named Store of the Year, and Michał Kosela received the award from the Federation of Consumers at the Royal Castle in Warsaw. In 1998, EPI received a unique honorary award from the Federation of Consumers with a “Consistently high level of service”. This was a special out of the regulations prize, as EPI could not compete a second time in the store of the year competition. However, the special award was given as an exception to emphasize that EPI, after the expansion that took place over two years, is Polish commerce at its best.

Wrocław EPI also received the “Gazelle of Business”, the title of Lower Silesian Merchant of the Year and the Lower Silesian Economic Certificates. The creator of EPI was awarded the Crystal Alumnus title for his successes in his career. The award was given to him by the Wrocław University of Economics, thus honouring its most outstanding graduates.

“Hermes” Award for Retail with Traditions

In October 2021, Michał Kosela received a posthumous “Hermes” award in the RETAIL WITH TRADITIONS category. The wife of EPI’s creator Elwira Urban-Kosela received the statuette along with her sons Maciej and Michał Kosela Junior.

Awards for Wrocław EPI

The uniqueness of the store was very quickly noticed by customers, but also appreciated against the nationwide competition. As early as 1996, EPI in Wrocław was named Store of the Year, and Michał Kosela received the award from the Federation of Consumers at the Royal Castle in Warsaw. In 1998, EPI received a unique honorary award from the Federation of Consumers with a “Consistently high level of service”. This was a special out of the regulations prize, as EPI could not compete a second time in the store of the year competition. However, the special award was given as an exception to emphasize that EPI, after the expansion that took place over two years, is Polish commerce at its best.

Wrocław EPI also received the “Gazelle of Business”, the title of Lower Silesian Merchant of the Year and the Lower Silesian Economic Certificates. The creator of EPI was awarded the Crystal Alumnus title for his successes in his career. The award was given to him by the Wrocław University of Economics, thus honouring its most outstanding graduates.

“Hermes” Award for Retail with Traditions

In October 2021, Michał Kosela received a posthumous “Hermes” award in the RETAIL WITH TRADITIONS category. The wife of EPI’s creator, Elwira Urban-Kosela, received the statuette along with her sons Maciej and Michał Kosela Junior.

EPI in the yellow guide of Gault&Millau

In 2015 and 2016, the uniqueness of EPI was recognized by the famous Yellow Guide, or Gault&Millau. The iconic publication, created by French food critics, rates restaurants around the world each year. So how did it happen that the EPI of Wrocław ended up on the pages of the guide?

The only such exception

“Although we do not describe supermarkets, we will make one exception, as this place is simply unique”, the Polish edition of the Yellow Guide says. And it further reads: “The store, created by Michał Kosela, passionate about quality and good food, is captivating in its selection of products, courteous and friendly staff and cleanliness. Among the products are many rare ones. An invaluable address for all foodies, wishing to taste flavours from distant lands without buying an airline ticket, or to serve a good dinner delighting their guests with a selection of products”. This review has become a permanent part of our history and we continue to work to deserve it.

Famous Wrocław balls for Friends of EPI

Can the store host the city’s famous social events? EPI’s history shows that it does. From time to time, as a surprise, EPI organizes balls for customers at the Krobielowice palace. We invite the best and most loyal EPI customers, using the EPI Friend card on purchases.

That first ball

The first ball was held in 1995 at the “Czarny Salon Związków Twórczych” under the theme “Zakupy ze swingiem” (Shopping with a swing). It was a test run for later celebrations, but also a reference to the musical Fridays we held once a month at EPI, making shopping more pleasant for our customers.

EPIc time with friends (Wśród przyjaciół najlEPIej)

The second EPI Ball and the first in Krobielowice happened in May 1998 on the occasion of a “total lack of occasion” under the motto “EPIc time with friends”. Guests were greeted with sparkling wine, tables were full of exquisite and familiar dishes and, as the “Evening of Wrocław” of May 29, 1998 wrote: “In the competition for the best banquet bar supplies, the event will be commemorated in the history of the town. It was delicious, varied, from patriotic and imperialist labels, colourful”. For the first time, there was also an “EPI friend card”, which was given to each of the guests who came. During breaks in the dancing, EPI friends enjoyed an outdoor theatrical performance.

Harvest Festival at EPI

We held the third ball on the occasion of the store’s 5th birthday under the theme “Harvest Festival with EPI”. The guests, decorated as befits a harvest festival, were welcomed with bread and salt to the accompaniment of a firefighter’s orchestra and a folk band. In the grand ballroom, “Bezdomne Kojoty” blasted sharp rock (with folk elements), and under a tent set up on the terrace, a harvest band played dance music. The palates of the guests were delighted with the delicious Polish food, and the party lasted until dawn.

From the EPI to the European Union

The fourth ball on the occasion of EPI’s 8th birthday with the theme “From EPI to the European Union” was held in September 2002. As you can now see, it was through our initiative that we brought the ideas of unification so close that it resulted in the successful conclusion of negotiations with the Union within just 3 months of our event. This time at the palace in Krobielowice we served dishes characteristic of European Union countries. Musically, Europe was brought closer by bands playing Irish folk songs, fiery flamenco or French ballads.

Ball for the 10th. EPI Birthday

The fifth ball celebrating the 10th birthday under the theme “X-Files – the EPI’s Birthday” was held in 2004. Guests were greeted by a troupe of cheerfully costumed stilt walkers and an escort on motorcycles. At the palace, the ball attendees were treated to lavishly set tables and the EPI files and archives, where everyone could learn about the store’s history, as well as two musical groups: “Bezdomne Kojoty” and Tadeusz Nestorowicz’s band. During the intermission of the party, guests were able to take part in ultraviolet modern dance shows, as well as karaoke organized especially for them.

Magical ball

At our last ball, whose hallmark was the slogan “13 years with EPI. Real Magic” entertained in all kinds of magical, oriental and Slavic ways. It was delicious and colourful. The magnificent and mysterious atmosphere was heated up by a giant cake decorated with sweet tarot cards.

EPI’s heart beats to the rhythm of Wrocław

For years, the Wrocław EPI has supported the city’s cultural institutions, such as the Polish Theatre, Capitol Musical Theatre, Contemporary Theatre, Puppet Theatre, and the NFM. It is also a sponsor of the Wrocław Culture Zone. We have even held small intimate meetings for women in our history, and our “Partia Kanapkowa” (Sandwich Party) held regular meetings in friendly restaurants in Wrocław.

While supporting culture, we must not forget about sport culture. EPI is currently sponsoring one of the junior basketball teams. We have been partners in dozens of swimming, tennis, cycling and horse competitions in our history. In 1997, we organized a volleyball tournament for the EPI-market cup.

We are mindful of those in need, which is why we organize charity collections at the store during the holiday periods. We have so far supported, among others, the “Na Ratunek Dzieciom z Chorobą Nowotworową” (To the Rescue of Children with Cancer) Foundation, the Lower Silesian Oncology Center, Caritas of the Lower Silesian Archdiocese. Society of Friends of Children and many others.

Wrocław dwarves at EPI

Attentive EPI customers have probably noticed that the EPI site has been home to a merchant guild of 7 dwarves for many years, created by Tomasz Moczek, from whose hand most of Wrocław’s dwarves have come. It is well known today that dwarves are extremely caring and kind. And at the same time effective and resourceful. The Dwarf Merchant Guild, which made its home at EPI in 2008, does more than just shopping. The four Dwarves wield a magical cart that, like Santa Claus bag, houses unlimited resources. It allows gnomes to help carry heavy purchases. Wrocław Dwarves are also characterized by an extraordinary sense of taste and tastefulness. Therefore, they help customers in mysterious ways to choose excellent products.

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