2026 Period 10 - EN
This One Means the Most
Dear T&T family,
I still can't believe it.
Just over a year after opening our first two stores in the United States, T&T has been named Gold Winner for Best Grocery Store, Gold Winner for Best Bakery, and Bronze Winner for Catering in The Seattle Times Best in the PNW People's Choice Awards.
More than one million people voted, and that is what makes this recognition so special. These weren't judges or industry experts—they were our customers. They chose T&T.
Of all the recognitions T&T has received over the years, this one may be the one I'm most proud of.
When we opened Bellevue and Lynnwood, we were entering a completely new market. We had to build a new team, establish new operations, navigate a new supply chain, and introduce T&T to customers who had never experienced us before. Our first year wasn't easy. There were long days, unexpected challenges, and countless details to figure out. But through it all, our teams never stopped striving to deliver the customer experience that defines T&T.
That's why this award feels so meaningful. It tells us that our hard work was worth it.
One recognition surprised me even more: Best Bakery. As a supermarket bakery, we were competing against some of the Pacific Northwest's best specialty bakeries. To earn the Gold Award says so much about the passion, craftsmanship, and care our bakery teams bring to work every single day. It is an incredible achievement.
While these awards recognize our Washington stores, this success belongs to our entire T&T family. Every buyer who sourced the right products, every distribution centre that kept our shelves stocked, every kitchen and bakery team that prepared fresh food, every support office colleague, and every store team played a part in building the T&T experience our customers voted for.
To our Bellevue and Lynnwood teams, thank you for representing T&T so proudly. You have shown what is possible in a brand-new market and have set a strong foundation for our future in the United States.
As we continue growing—with San Francisco, Chino Hills, and more communities ahead—this recognition reminds us that if we stay true to our values -- Customer is #1, lead in fresh, and always strive to be the best we can be -- our customers will notice.
Congratulations, everyone. This is your award.
Tina Lee
CEO
Time passes quietly, yet warmth always shines through
Angela Peng - Store Administrative Department - Weldrick, ON
At the Receiving Department, we have a colleague who everyone affectionately calls “Uncle Paul”. He has been a quiet and dedicated part of our company for over 20 years. To Paul, receiving deliveries and completing tasks is more than just work, but a reflection of his love and dedication to the job.
He often arrives to work early and will take the initiative to tidy up the surrounding area, doing what he can to keep the workplace clean and orderly. Whenever it snows in the winter, he will arrive at the store early to clear the snow from the store entrance, creating a safe path for both his colleagues and customers. These seemingly ordinary gestures reflect his strong sense of responsibility towards work, and also his genuine care for others. When handing his daily receiving tasks, he is always focused and meticulous. Even when faced with a high volume of paperwork and deliveries, he will patiently check every item and quantity to ensure accuracy.
His stability comes not from settling for the status quo, but from always putting responsibility and the team first. More than two decades reflect his enduring dedication and commitment. Through his actions, he embodies the spirit of collaboration, always willing to do a little more and think one step ahead for the team.
Time passes quietly, but dedication leaves a lasting mark. It is the quiet dedication of people like Paul that makes our big family so warm and gives us the strength to move forward together.
The safety superhero of the Produce Cooler
Lucy Fu - Store Administrative Department - Langley store, BC
In the back area of the LY store, if you hear the familiar beep accompanied by a booming voice reminding everyone to "Please be careful", you'll know that Michael, our cooler keeper is nearby.
Michael primarily handles receiving tasks. Not only does he keep the cooler well organized, with every vegetable and fruit in its proper place, he also keeps an accurate inventory of the stock in the back room. Whenever the Department Head asks about inventory, he is always able to immediately provide numbers. In his day-to-day work, Michael also thoughtfully arranges the products so they are easily accessible, saving his colleagues both time and effort. And when heavy lifting is needed, Michael never hesitates to lend a hand, becoming the most reliable team member everyone can count on.
Michael is not only a skilled cooler keeper in the Produce Department, but also everyone’s “Safety Superhero.” Whenever he spots water or garbage on the floor, he always cleans it up immediately to eliminate potential hazards. When operating the Power Jack, his warning beeps are always accompanied by his signature reminder: “Please be careful!” Many of our colleagues joke that they feel 100% safer as soon as they hear his reminder.
With his strong sense of responsibility and outstanding safety awareness, Michael took the initiative to pursue cross-departmental learning with the encouragement of the Store Manager and Department Head. He successfully passed the Asset Protection Department's interview and earned the opportunity to train with the team. From “Cooler Superhero” to future “Asset Protection Rising Star,” we're confident Michael will continue to shine within our T&T family, bringing his professionalism, positive energy, and outstanding contributions to the team.
Respecting differences, embracing one another
Human Resources Department
At work, we collaborate with people from different places and backgrounds, each with their own cultures, personalities, habits, and ways of doing things. When it gets busy, differences of opinions or misunderstandings are sometimes unavoidable.
Sometimes, it might be a colleague moving a bit slower than usual due to reasons beyond their control. Sometimes a detail might accidentally get left out during a handover, with one person thinking they already said it, and the other person assuming it was left out intentionally. A harmless remark might be interpreted differently because of a sharper tone, or even just a brief moment of unintended physical contact like a little bump.
In fact, a lot of conflicts in the workplace begin with these small misunderstandings.
When there's a disagreement, why not try to give each other some space. Instead of reacting in anger, say, "Let's confirm again." Rather than blaming others, ask, "Do you need help?". Sometimes, just one small change like this can result in a completely different outcome.
When a moment of anger leads to arguments, insults, threats, or even physical confrontation, a small issue can quickly become a formal disciplinary matter. This can affect trust, team morale, and even result in serious consequences for your own work.
We may come from different places, with different backgrounds and perspectives, but when we're here at work, we are on the same team. We all share the same goal: to do our jobs well, take good care of our customers, and ensure everyone can complete their roles more smoothly and enjoyably.
Differences are normal, embracing them is what matters
With just a bit more understanding, patience, and mutual support, we can enjoy our work, enjoy life, and build a stronger team together.
Growth inspires growth - Samson's journey of growth
After two years at T&T, Samson Huang, the Acting ADH at the U.S. Bellevue store, never imagined his journey would lead him into a management role.
When he first joined the team, Samson mainly focused on doing his best each day, while receiving continuous guidance from his Department Head. It was only until one day when the Department Head handed him an ADHT application form that he realized his efforts were being noticed, and the Department Head had been gradually preparing him for this.
During the ADHT training, the most memorable thing to him was not only the business knowledge, but the emphasis his Department Head placed on "talent development". He was encouraged to teach, share, and give colleagues more opportunities for growth. Sometimes, the Department Head would jokingly say, "Once you’ve taught everyone everything, your job will be easy!" Only after becoming Acting ADH did Samson truly understand the meaning behind this seemingly lighthearted joke.
Now, Samson is passing on the support and encouragement he once received, "Before, it was the Department Head who led me on this journey of growth, now I would also like to do my very best to assist my colleagues and grow together "
Talent development is an ongoing commitment. Behind each individual's growth is a Department Head who pays attention, provides guidance, and encouragement. From recognizing potential, to providing opportunities and patient coaching, our Department Heads have always supported our colleague's growth through action.
Thank you to every Department Head who has invested their time and effort into talent development. Their dedication helps those once on the receiving end of this support to become mentor themselves, creating a cycle of growth amongst the team.
Ray Wang - Central Operations
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