LAS VEGAS – Shelby Publishing presented its annual Exceptional Independents Awards on Feb. 2 during the NGA Show at the MGM Grand Las Vegas Convention Center, recognizing more than 60 independent grocery operators from across the country for their innovation, dedication and community leadership.
Now in its fourth year, the awards program showcases grocers whose resilience, customer-first approach and deep community connections set them apart.
More than 70 companies were nominated for the awards, with most attending the ceremony. They hailed from all corners of the U.S. and some 30 states and territories, from California to Maine and from Hawaii and Guam to the Upper Midwest.
Lupe Lopez of Arteaga’s Food Center in San Jose, California, said the recognition reflects a “mission rooted in love, resilience and true partnerships” with farmers, manufacturers and others in the industry.
“It honors the countless hours, challenges and personal sacrifices we all make,” Lopez said. “More than an award, it symbolizes the shared hard work, the common commitment to serving communities, and strengthening local economies. This honor reinforces our commitment to lead with integrity and purpose.
Dirk Stricklin of Savers Cost Plus in Irving, Texas, described it as an “incredible honor.”
“Being included among so many dedicated independent operators was a reminder that this journey is more than a business; it is a mission that truly matters,” Stricklin said. “It renewed our commitment to continue serving with gratitude, humility and heart.”
Maggie Kaeppel, VP Publisher, The Shelby and Griffin Report, said the awards program was another “very successful” event.
“Our exceptional independents were honored to receive the award. The unique shape of the trophy represents the blood, sweat and tears of our independent retail grocers,” Kaeppel said.
“These retailers work hard to feed and support their customers and communities across the U.S. We are thrilled to present this award to our independent retailers and to honor their amazing efforts.”
Sponsor support
The Exceptional Independents Awards program is made possible through the support of industry sponsors who share a commitment to the independent grocery sector.
“I am proud to be a sponsor of the Shelby Exceptional Independents at NGA,” said Caroline Catoe, president of ECRS, a four-year sponsor of the awards.
“These independents represent strong businesses – often family-owned – that continue to make waves in our grocery industry. Being able to honor their effort and celebrate them at the show is one of my favorite parts of the week.”
LOC Software, a fellow fourth-year sponsor, also hailed the winners. René Stai, head of marketing, said the company’s sponsorship is “an opportunity to celebrate the retailers who truly define the strength” of the industry.
“At LOC Software, we work alongside independent operators every day,” Stai said. “We see firsthand the discipline it takes to manage margins, lead teams, adopt new technologies and still deliver the personal service that sets independents apart.
“Sponsoring the EIA Awards is our way of honoring that commitment and reinforcing our dedication to supporting their success. It’s much more than sponsorship, it’s partnership. We are proud to stand behind the retailers who continue to raise the standard for excellence in grocery.”
A third sponsor, C&S Family of Companies/SpartanNash, shared similar sentiments.
In a statement, the company said the EIA program is a “great opportunity to highlight these independent retailer communities and feature their exemplary achievements on a national stage. The event provides retailers with a prestigious national opportunity for recognition of their dedication, commitment and valuable community initiatives at an industry celebration.”
2025 Exceptional Independents Awards recipients
The following companies were recognized:
California: Arteaga’s Food Center – San Jose; Barons Market – Poway; Big Saver Foods – Vernon; Cambridge Farms – Valley Village; Chavez Supermarkets – Hayward; Jon’s Marketplace – Los Angeles; Lucerne Valley Market & Hardware – Lucerne Valley; Mollie Stone’s Markets – Mill Valley; Oliver’s Market – Santa Rosa; Superior Grocers – Santa Fe Springs; and Vallarta Supermarkets – Santa Clarita
Connecticut: Cingari Family Markets – Norwalk; and Connecticut Food Association – West Hartford
Delaware: GE&Hockers – Bethany Beach
Florida: Publix Super Markets – Lakeland; and Sedano’s Supermarket – Hialeah
Georgia: Piggly Wiggly – Pooler
Guam: Pay-Less Markets, Inc. – Hagåtña
Hawaii: KTA Stores – Hilo; and Okimoto Corp. (The Waianae Store/Nanakuli Super/Friendly Market Center) – Waianae
Illinois: Dave’s Supermarket – Fairbury; Potash Markets – Chicago; and Sunset Foods – Highland Park
Indiana: Baesler’s Market – Terre Haute; and Strack & Van Til – Highland
Iowa: Fareway Foods – Johnston
Kansas: Cosentino’s Food Stores – Overland Park
Kentucky: Houchens Food Group – Bowling Green
Louisiana: Associated Grocers Inc. – Baton Rouge; Lamendola’s Supermarket – Gonzales; and StPierre Supermarket (dba Delaune’s Supermarket) – St. Amant
Maine: P&L Market/Bradford General Store/George’s Banana Stand/Solon Corner Market – Dexter
Massachusetts: Market Basket – Tewksbury
Michigan: Daily Deals Food Outlet – Marne; GreenTree Co-op Market – Mount Pleasant; Oleson’s Food Stores – Traverse City; Pat’s Foods IGA – Houghton; Plum Market – Farmington Hills; and Polly’s Country Markets – Jackson
Minnesota: A Clean Plate Local & Organic Grocery – Menahga; Coborn’s, Inc. – Saint Cloud; and Super One Foods – Hermantown
Mississippi: Brooks Grocery Co. – Tupelo; and Grocery Basket – Grenada
Missouri: Schnuck Markets – St. Louis
Nebraska: B&R Stores – Lincoln
New Jersey: Allegiance Retail Services – Iselin; Food Depot & Extra Supermarkets – Newark; and Seabra Foods – Newark
New York: Gristedes – New York; and Lincoln Market – Brooklyn
Ohio: Fresh Encounter, Inc. – Findlay
Oregon: Chester’s Markets – John Day; McKay’s Markets – Coos Bay; and Rudy’s Markets Inc. – Bend
Pennsylvania: Elias Farmers Market – Allentown; Karns Quality Foods – Mechanicsburg; and Kinsley’s ShopRite of Brodheadsville – Brodheadsville
Rhode Island: Clements Marketplace – Bristol; and Clements’ Marketplace – Portsmouth
Tennessee: Turnip Truck Natural Market – Nashville
Texas: Border Town – Roma; Brookshire Grocery Co. – Tyler; Camino A Verte Supermarket – McAllen; Lewis Food Town – Houston; Pay and Save Inc. (dba Lowe’s Market/Food King/Lowe’s Mercado/Lowe’s Signature) – Littlefield; Savers Cost Plus – Irving; and Teloloapan Meat Market – Houston
Washington: Rosauers Markets – Spokane
Wisconsin: Piggly Wiggly Midwest – Sheboygan; Piggly Wiggly Store 191 – Kenosha; Piggly Wiggly Store 272 – Union Grove; and Trig’s – Rhinelander
About the Exceptional Independents Awards
Presented by Shelby Publishing, the Exceptional Independents Awards honor independent U.S. grocery operators whose innovation, dedication and community leadership set them apart.
The program recognizes those who embody the spirit of independent grocery – resilient, customer-focused and deeply connected to the communities they serve. For more information and to nominate for next year’s awards, visit EIA nomination form.
Exceptional Independents Awards, Feb. 1-3
