Chandler, Arizona-based Bashas’ Family of Stores is bolstering talent among the leadership teams at two of its brands, AJ’s Fine Foods and Food City.
Each of these shifts play a key role in plans for future growth and reaffirms the commitment of The Raley’s Companies to maintain and support the integrity each store brand.
After nearly 30 years of service, Jayson Mead has been named VP of AJ’s Fine Foods, while Gabe Flores brings 36 years of in-house knowledge to his new role as director of produce for AJ’s. At Food City, Jorge Alvarez will oversee the store’s made-from-scratch tortilla operations as director of tortilleria.
“Jayson, Gabe and Jorge have each demonstrated decades of tenacity, growth and commitment to their respective roles within Bashas’,” said Edward “Trey” Basha, president of Bashas’. “Recognizing these talented leaders for their exceptional work ethic and loyalty reinforces the value we place on nurturing growth opportunities for ambitious team members.”
Mead has been with the grocer for 28 years, starting as a courtesy clerk in 1993 at the Bashas’ supermarket in Lake Havasu. Since then, he has held more than 10 different positions within the store and management team, from cashier to produce clerk, produce manager, store director, assistant director of operations and director of operations at AJ’s Fine Foods. Most recently, Mead oversaw deli, bakery, produce and meat for all formats.
As VP of AJ’s Fine Foods, Mead will be responsible for leading long-range strategy, brand positioning and performance for the brand. He will guide the AJ’s team to deliver experiences and culinary adventures for guests as the AJ’s format prepares for future expansion.
When Flores first joined the Bashas’ team in 1986, he gained well-rounded exposure to the business as a clerk in numerous departments, ultimately settling into a role as produce clerk. By 1990, he had earned his first promotion into management and served as produce manager for Bashas’ before becoming produce and floral manager at AJ’s Fine Foods. Since then, he has held roles in management and earned awards for his dedication to AJ’s, including “Produce Manager of the Year” in 1994 and 1999 and “Store Director of the Year” in 2004 and 2007.
Alvarez brings a blend of culinary, grocery and operational experience to his new role with Food City’s Tortilleria. His initial stint as deli clerk in 2011 led to a training role, then a promotion to deli manager. He later was promoted to deli department specialist/merchandiser before earning his most recent position as director of deli/food service for Bashas’.
For more information, visit bashas.com.
