Last updated on January 17th, 2023
Inseparable – Mimi Song and Superior Grocers
Superior Grocers is one of the largest independently owned chains of grocery stores in Southern California. From its first store in 1981 in Covina, the company has grown to 47 locations.
Superior takes pride in having prospered in neighborhoods where others failed because of its commitment to – and investment in – the communities it serves.
In addition to the company’s 40th anniversary, its charismatic CEO Mimi Song is being inducted this year into the Food Industry Hall of Fame.
Executives and industry insiders say it is a well-deserved honor for Song, who as a young woman immigrated to Los Angeles from South Korea and is universally admired for her attitude, energy, work ethic and emphasis on teamwork.
“Mimi is a great lady. She has a great heart…she demands excellence, but she’s fair. She is committed in such a way because she is by choice,” said Blake Larson, Superior’s CFO. “…I look at her passion…she dedicates everything to the company – from her time to financial resources – and she doesn’t hold back.”
Those attributes are reflected in the company’s core values, which President Rich Wardwell said have helped keep Superior successful – integrity, service, passion and excellence.
“These are [her] core values…we as a team came together and made sure that we brought back all those – messaged them and live by them,” Wardwell said.
Sue Klug, a former grocery executive, described her longtime friend Song as “one in a million.”
“Mimi has worked incredibly hard over the years,” she said. “Having had experience throughout most functional areas in her company, there’s not much that Mimi hasn’t seen and hasn’t done.”
Retired Superior CFO Joe Cooney said the lives of Song and her sister and company co-founder Marie are a “great immigrant story.”
“They came with basically nothing,” he said. “They weren’t sophisticated retailers coming to America to ply their trade. They knew nothing about [the grocery industry]. They learned it through hard work. It’s very impressive.”
We think you’ll agree. Join us in this special section as The Shelby Report celebrates the storied career of Song and the 40th anniversary of the company she fashioned.
- Mimi Song Has Fashioned Successful Career In Grocery Industry
- Superior’s Management Amazed By Leader’s Work Attitude, Energy
- After Four Decades, Superior Shines As Example Of The American Dream
- Superior Grocer’s Foundation Focuses On Art Education For Children
