Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, News, Publix Super Markets, Retailer of the Year, Southeast

Publix Super Markets Expands Kentucky Presence With ‘55 Model’ Prototype

Publix Super Markets, The Shelby Report of the Southeast’s 2025 Retailer of the Year, is continuing its expansion into Kentucky with the opening of another store – part of a new market for the Florida-based grocer but one CEO Kevin Murphy says is already exceeding expectations. The second Lexington store, which opened June 4, is […]

Posted inAnniversary Issues, Affiliated Foods, News, Southwest, Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year

Affiliated Foods Leverages Technology To Boost Retailer Services, Engagement

Amarillo, Texas-based Affiliated Foods Inc. is investing in forward-thinking technology to enhance the shopping experience for consumers and improve operational efficiency for its retail members. Among the most visible innovations is the implementation of digital video rails in member stores – a project led by Josh Silvia, AFI’s network and PC manager. Vusion v-rails is […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor of the Year, Affiliated Foods, Anniversary Issues, News, Southwest

Manufacturing Subsidiaries Fuel AFI Membership’s Success, Growth

At Affiliated Foods Inc. (AFI), a member-owned cooperative headquartered in Amarillo, Texas, the value of community-focused manufacturing is front and center. Noma Burr, the company’s chief financial officer, has seen that impact firsthand since joining the organization in 1996. Burr highlighted how AFI’s manufacturing subsidiaries – which include a bakery, dairy, meat processing plant and […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor of the Year, Affiliated Foods, Anniversary Issues, News, Southwest

Affiliated Foods At 80: Cooperative’s Legacy Remains Rooted In Family

In an industry defined by change, Affiliated Foods Inc. in Amarillo, Texas, has spent the last 80 years anchoring independent grocers with a simple promise: integrity, innovation and a shared sense of ownership. This year, that legacy is honored on a larger stage. The Shelby Report of the Southwest has named AFI its Wholesaler of […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor of the Year, Anniversary Issues, Associated Grocers, Inc., News, Southeast

With New Leadership Team At Helm, AG Has ‘Same Goal In Mind’

In announcing David Politz’ appointment this spring as president and CEO of Associated Grocers Inc. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Daphne Lamendola, who chairs AG’s board of directors, cited his “unwavering dedication, strategic vision and forward-thinking leadership” that will continue to guide the company toward sustained growth and success. Politz has been with AG since 1985, […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor of the Year, Anniversary Issues, Associated Grocers, Inc., News, Southeast

Outgoing EVP: From Get-Go, Associated Grocers Has Been ‘All About Service’

Carl Marks, EVP and chief strategy officer at Associated Grocers, will retire in October, marking the close of 27 years with the company across two distinct tenures. Marks initially joined Associated Grocers in 1988, having started his career in the grocery industry “sort of accidentally” at a small wholesaler in Alexandria, Louisiana, followed by a […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor of the Year, Anniversary Issues, Associated Grocers, Inc., News, Southeast

Grounded In Experience, New AGBR Leadership Guides Company Forward

“We’re just getting started.” That’s the message from David Politz, new president and CEO of Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Associated Grocers Inc. (AG), as the company marks its 75th anniversary this year and positions itself for future growth. “It’s a combination of being local experts in our food market and offering a level of service and […]

Posted inAnniversary Issues, Feature, News, West

Former Vons Revamped As Pavilions In Mission Hills Neighborhood

The former Vons location in the Mission Hills area of San Diego, California, is now a Pavilions store. Though it underwent a fairly extensive remodel, the store remained open throughout the process. Wayne Heaton, VP and GM for Pavilions, said Mission Hills is “an incredible neighborhood” for the format. “Mission Hills has a great diverse […]