Lynn Willard has been working with Piggly Wiggly since he was 16, starting as a part-time bagger. He continued into college, eventually deciding to leave school – and the grocery industry. But that didn’t last long. “I said, ‘You know what? I miss the grocery business.’ I enjoyed it a lot,” he said. “I really […]
Category: Feature
Posted inPiggly Wiggly, Feature, Southeast
‘No Matter Who You Walk In As, You’re Family’ At Piggly Wiggly Southeast
The McLeod family is somewhat unique in its business interests. Ricky McLeod’s grandfather has been in the grocery industry since the 1940s. After his death, McLeod’s father, Billy, took over the food retail side and continues in it to this day. In fact, at age 92, he still comes into the office Monday through Friday, […]
Posted inPiggly Wiggly, Feature, Southeast
Independents, Down-Home Roots Focus Of Piggly Wiggly Southeast
Building on the brand’s iconic history, C&S Wholesale Grocers, LLC (C&S) operates corporate Piggly Wiggly stores while serving independent franchisees under a chain-style model known as Piggly Wiggly Southeast. The grocer offers the selections and assortments of a national chain with the service and customization of a community-based retailer. C&S acquired Piggly Wiggly Carolina, a […]
Posted inFeature, Beverage News, Southwest
BuzzBallz Founder Reflects On Success Of Her Business
Reflecting on BuzzBallz, LLC/Southern Champion’s rise to one of the country’s leading ready-to-drink cocktail brands, CEO/founder Merrilee Kick said she learned that “you had to build it yourself.” Thirteen years after building a company from “nothing to something,” Kick is being honored as one of Shelby Publishing’s 2023 Southwest Women of Influence. Kick left her […]
Posted inPiggly Wiggly, Feature, Midwest
Thanks To Piggly Wiggly Midwest, Frank’s Can Be ‘Two Stores In One’
Frank’s Piggly Wiggly started small, beginning in 1981 with 5,000 square feet of space in downtown Elkhorn, Wisconsin. Within a year, however, the company had moved across the street to a location twice that size, according to owners Stephanie, Steve and Frank Lueptow. By 1991, it had outgrown that location. The company decided to build […]
Posted inPiggly Wiggly, Feature, Midwest
For Stinebrink’s, Piggly Wiggly Has Become ‘Best Fit For Family’
Family and community are at the center of Stinebrink’s Piggly Wiggly, which is based in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Local involvement begins at the store level and continues up to Stinebrink’s president, Matt Stinebrink. Stinebrink owns the company in partnership with his brother, David, and cousins, Tim, Ben and Todd. David’s wife, Kathy, is the company’s […]
Posted inLipari Foods, Feature, Midwest, Wholesaler/Distributor News
Lipari Foods Celebrating 60th Anniversary In 2023
Show largest in company’s history Warren, Michigan-based Lipari Foods hosted its annual food show March 22, with more than 7,000 people attending. The Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan, was filled with 752 booths and more than 800 brands. It was the largest show in the company’s history. The theme of the show, “Roll Out […]
Posted inAssociation News, Feature, West
WAFC Convention Setting Records For Attendance
The Shelby Report’s EVP Bob Reeves caught up with Joe Perez, headlite of the Illuminators, on May 7 during the Western Association of Food Chain’s Convention in Palm Desert, California. Perez said he is extremely excited, noting there is “a lot of high energy and momentum in the industry.” The convention began May 6 with […]