Russell’s Food Center describes itself as a small family-run business that “continues to thrive in downtown Arnaudville, Louisiana, the heart of Acadiana.” The store, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary in September, is owned and operated by the fourth- and fifth-generation descendants of George and Nora Coles, who acquired what was then a dry goods […]
Category: Shelby Content
Exclusive, in-depth stories from the Shelby team. Explore Food Industry features, market profiles, and unique perspectives from industry leaders.
Posted inMarket Profile, Independent Store News, Midwest, News
Moose’s Market Owner Enjoys Freedom Of Being An Independent Grocer
For Amy Parnell, being an independent grocer isn’t just a business model – it’s her passion. As owner of Moose’s Market in Higginsville, Missouri, she has spent the past nine years shaping the store on her own terms, guided by lessons learned growing up in the grocery business and her love for serving people. “I […]
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 inGuest Contributors, National, News
Leadership: Disruptive Kindness
It’s been an interesting journey since publishing my book on “The 5 Rules” in January of 2024 and speaking and coaching on these rules across many organizations since then. There has been one question that comes up on many occasions that I’d like to expand on for this month’s leadership teaching. But first, just as […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Guest Contributors, National, News
What Does Future Of Independent Grocery Hold?
Editor’s note: This is the first of a three-part series of articles intended to provide a view of the path to a brighter future for independent grocery as a whole and for independent grocers individually. As president of the Business Service Resource Group, I’ve spent over three decades working directly with family-owned businesses in the […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, Midwest, News
Grocers In Missouri Navigating Uncertainty, Regulation And Market Shifts
Missouri’s grocery retailers are navigating a period of uncertainty shaped by federal trade disputes, state-level legislation, labor shortages and shifting consumer demand. “I would say we’re pretty much like the rest of the country, in that we’re a little nervous,” said Dan Shaul, executive state director of the Missouri Grocers Association. “Everybody wants it to […]
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 inIndependent Store News, Feature, News, West
Zupan’s Celebrates 50th Anniversary In Portland, OR
Zupan’s Markets is celebrating its 50th anniversary all year long. “We’re proud of our family’s legacy and deeply grateful for the customers, associates and partners who’ve supported us over the years,” said Mike Zupan, president and CEO. “This milestone is as much theirs to celebrate as it is ours.” Zupan’s, operating three gourmet markets in […]
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 inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, Northeast
Wakefern Ties, Hybrid Model Allow Price Rite Marketplace To Thrive In Rhode Island
The Griffin Report recently chatted with Kevin McDonnell, president of Price Rite Marketplace, about the state of the supermarket industry in Rhode Island. How would you describe Price Rite Marketplace’s product assortment strategy and the factors that influence that approach? At Price Rite Marketplace, our focus is on creating a curated assortment of products […]
Posted inBakery News, Feature, National, News
Bimbo Bakehouse Unveils Bakery Innovations To Meet Everyday Occasions
Bimbo Bakehouse is expanding its innovation pipeline to meet the needs of younger consumers and drive growth in the in-store bakery. The Griffin Report recently caught up with Mollie Crudden, senior director of marketing for Bimbo Bakehouse, and Dana Strain, senior marketing manager at Bimbo Bakeries USA, about additions to the company’s lineup. “We have […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, News, West
Ray’s Food Place Filling Grocery Needs Of Happy Camp, CA
Happy Camp, California, sits about as far north in California as one can go. The Siskiyou County town – population about 900 – sits in the middle of the Klamath National Forest, on the banks of the Klamath River. The memorable name of the town, legend has it, was bestowed by a prospector who found […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, News, West
Legislation Impacting Grocers Across California Coming From Many Directions
Ron Fong, president and CEO of the California Grocers Association, has his hands full. Legislation impacting his membership has been wide-ranging and ongoing this year, from immigration and SNAP to self-checkouts and even shopping cart retrieval. As of this publication date, the California legislature had reconvened for two weeks to try and come to a […]
Posted inSustainability News, Guest Contributors, National, News
A Resource In The Wrong Place – The Economics Of Grocery Waste
Merchandise loss, also known as shrink or food waste, poses a persistent economic challenge for grocery stores. While the topic may not always provoke an emotional response, by the end of this article, you may find yourself reflecting on the true cost of waste. In fact, you might say you’ve WEPT – a helpful acronym […]
Posted inAssociation News, Market Profile, News, Southeast
SNAP, HDCPs, EPR Among Top Issues In Tennessee’s 2025 Legislative Session
The 2025 state legislative session in Tennessee involved some heated battles to try and protect the interests of grocery and convenience stores. Some battles were won; others were lost. Rob Ikard, president and CEO of the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association, provided a roundup from the 114th Tennessee General Assembly that ended April 22, […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Independent Store News, News, Southeast
Chappell’s Third-Generation Leaders Carrying Strong Legacy Forward
Chappell’s Home Town Foods was born in Middle Tennessee in 1962, when Chappell’s Cee Bee in Hilltop, just outside Clarksville, opened its doors. Founder Jack Chappell and his wife, Kate, worked for two years straight, opening and closing the store every day, until they were able to open a second location in 1964 in Charlotte. […]
Posted inGuest Contributors, Association News, National, News
Work Not Finished, But NGA Pleased With Efforts On Tax Measure, SNAP
Independent grocers across the country are applauding significant policy victories following months of persistent advocacy led by the National Grocers Association (NGA). With the enactment of a landmark tax package and the defense against the most damaging proposed changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, NGA has delivered tangible results for independent operators and the […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Feature, Midwest, News, Schnucks
Schnucks Exec Calls Partnership With Upside ‘A Win-Win For Everyone’
Upside launched in early 2016 to help retailers offer their customers another incentive to shop. Gas stations were the first retailers to join the platform, followed by restaurants in summer 2017 and then grocery stores the following summer. The Upside app allows shoppers to earn cash back at participating retailers. The customer just follows a […]
Posted inCorporate Store News, Feature, News, Southeast, The Kroger Co.
The Kroger Co. Opens Marketplace Store In Hoschton, GA
The Kroger Co. held a grand opening celebration Aug. 13 for a new Marketplace store at 175 Peachtree Exchange Blvd. in Hoschton, Georgia. The location represents a $40 million investment, encompassing more than 123,000 square feet and bringing more than 250 jobs to the area. Kroger employees and leadership joined city, county and state officials, […]
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 […]