Wakefern Food Corp. has entered into an agreement to purchase Morton Williams stores in the New York City metro area. The Morton Williams family has owned and operated their stores for three generations.
New Jersey-based Wakefern will retain the Morton Williams name. A wholly owned subsidiary of Wakefern will operate the 17 stores in the tradition New Yorkers have come to expect, with special emphasis on fresh prepared foods, produce and Wakefern’s award-winning private label brands.
“We are very excited to welcome Morton Williams to our Wakefern family of supermarket banners. This acquisition is an incredible opportunity to continue the legacy of a storied New York City grocer while building on the business and adding even more product offerings, value and quality for shoppers,” said Wakefern President Mike Stigers. “Wakefern is committed to honoring the traditions of Morton Williams by bringing high-quality fresh foods and groceries to residents of one of the greatest cities in the world.”
“The acquisition is part of Wakefern’s aggressive growth strategy to expand both its market share and wholesale distribution reach,” added Wakefern Chairman Sean McMenamin. “Wakefern’s leadership team and board of directors has a vision for our cooperative that is transformative. We are positioning Wakefern for sustainable, lasting growth that will impact future generations of our membership.”
Like Wakefern, Morton Williams is family owned. The company was founded in 1952 by brothers Joe and Irving Sloan. Joe’s sons Morton and William later built upon the business and expanded to supermarkets in the New York City area.
They would go on to reinvent the business again in the 1970s, when they began opening new, reimagined markets in Manhattan. They changed the name of the new stores to Morton Williams and opened locations with kitchens, chefs and a focus on fresh prepared foods for customers on the go.
Carrying on the legacy, Morton Williams is now guided by the third generation – Avi Kaner, Morton Sloan’s son-in-law; David Sloan, his son; and Steven Sloan, the son of William Sloan.
“Like Wakefern, which was founded by neighborhood grocers, we are also a family business and proud of the company we’ve built over the decades. Supermarkets are an important part of the fabric of the neighborhoods they serve. Wakefern understands that,” said Avi Kaner, speaking on behalf of the Sloan and Kaner family. “We know our company, its team members and loyal customers are in good hands as it moves into the future under Wakefern’s leadership.”
Kevin McDonnell, currently president of Wakefern’s wholly owned subsidiary PRRC Inc., will serve as the Wakefern executive leading Morton Williams.
PRRC Inc. operates stores under the Price Rite Marketplace banner.
“I look forward to working with the team at Morton Williams to ensure we continue delivering the service and quality the brand is known for and at the same time offering greater value that comes from being part of a cooperative,” McDonnell said. “The buying power of the cooperative, which has more than 360 stores in nine states, and the legacy of Morton Williams service is a winning combination.”
McDonnell is a 40-year supermarket industry veteran with broad experience in store operations, merchandising, marketing and management as well as extensive experience in operating stores in the New York City area.
Morton Williams offers online shopping and operates 15 stores in Manhattan, a store in the Bronx and another in Jersey City.
About Wakefern Food Corp.
Wakefern Food Corp. is the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States. Founded in 1946, the cooperative comprises member families that today independently own and operate hundreds of supermarkets under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market, Di Bruno Bros. banners in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
About Morton Williams
Morton Williams is a family-owned and operated supermarket chain that has served New York City since 1952. With 17 locations across the metropolitan area – many of them open 24/7 – Morton Williams is known for its upscale offerings, personalized service and deep roots in the neighborhoods it serves. The stores feature fresh, high-quality produce, gourmet cheeses, premium meats and chef-prepared meals. Morton Williams also provides full-service catering, as well as online shopping and delivery.
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