NEW BEDFORD — In the world of chain stores and conglomerates, Trucchi's Supermarkets has proved that independent stores can still be successful.

Celebrating its 80th anniversary throughout this year, company officials said Trucchi's Supermarkets is devoted to outstanding service, quality products and competitive prices.

In 1928, William Trucchi, Sr., at the age of 16, borrowed $500 from his parents in order to open a market the size of a small house on Tremont Street in Taunton.

Now, eight decades later, his brainchild offers five locations — New Bedford, West Bridgewater, Abington and two in Taunton. Cleanliness, friendly faces, and reasonable prices have kept the business thriving amidst the harsh competition.

"You're not just a number here," says Fran Cang, a longtime customer of the New Bedford Trucchi's. Mrs. Cang also likes the smaller size of the supermarket, which isn't overloaded with toys, movies and other non-grocery items.

Although people of all ages flock to this supermarket, older people find Trucchi's more manageable to walk through because it is smaller than chain grocery stores.

"This place is super. This is the best supermarket in the area," says Richard Cang, Fran's husband. Like many Trucchi's shoppers, Mr. Cang raves about the store's outstanding meat department and Trucchi's classic country feel. "It feels like Cheers. You know, 'Hey Norm,'" Mr. Cang says.

The founder, William Trucchi, and his wife had nine children who all took part in the business. Their six surviving children and several grandchildren keep the Trucchi's Supermarket tradition alive. Ann Trucchi Condon, CPA, controller of the chain's headquarters in Raynham, said of the more than 700 people who work for the supermarkets, "The most significant factor contributing to the success of our supermarkets has been our loyal and dedicated employees."

When Kathy Krol began working for Trucchi's seven years ago, her son came down with pneumonia. "They were good about taking time off," Kathy says. "Now he's 18 and he works here, too."

Madeline Machado has not worked at Trucchi's for as long as Ms. Krol, but she already feels that, "the employees are so close."

Ms. Machado said a standard Trucchi's practice is bringing customers' groceries out to their car for them. Trucchi's boasts many regulars, but Miss Machado notes with a smile, "'Are you following me?' they say, if they're not familiar with our practices."

Debbie Hoffshire, manager of the New Bedford store, says, "We really do know our customers." She quips that she can tell you what time so-and-so comes in and how Mr. so-and-so's ailing wife is holding up.

Mrs. Trucchi Condon says, "New Bedford was the first store location opened without the company's founder and a leap of faith for the second generation. The New Bedford store opened in 1996, and she said that the corporation always has its eyes open for further expansion. It is all about the strategic location, she said.

Trucchi's, at 2941 Acushnet Ave., displays 29 3'x4' historic New Bedford photos, a testament to the store's commitment to and pride in the city, she said.

Trucchi's in-house 80th birthday celebration in May included cake, coffee and great grocery deals.

"Our anniversary celebration was aimed at thanking our customers" said Mrs. Trucchi Condon, noting that the red, white and blue streamers and banners that deck the aisles remind the customers that they are a part of a special family- owned business.