Bella’s Market drew more than 1,000 people to its grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 17 at 875 N. Main St. in Vineyard, Utah, where it was welcomed as the first grocery store in the 700-acre mixed-use master-planned community on the eastern shore of Utah Lake. Vendors including Kodiak Cakes, Café Ibis, Certified Angus Beef […]
Category: Associated Food Stores
Since 1940, Associated Food Stores have been advocating for independent grocers throughout the Intermountain West. In that time, membership has grown from 34 independent grocers to over 400 today; operating a 1-million-square-foot warehouse in Farr West, Utah; and the integration of new technologies in the grocery industry.
Strong competition from national chains, increased prices from wholesalers and low margins left many families and independently owned businesses with boarded windows. Determined to succeed against the competition, 34 independent retailers and Donald P. Lloyd, the then president of the Utah Grocers Association, joined together to combine their buying power and open a warehouse, leading to the birth of AFS.
We have since grown from 34 retailers in Utah to nearly 450 independent grocers across Utah, Idaho, Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Oregon.
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Associated Food Stores, News, West
AFS Expands Instacart Solutions To Member Retailers, Banners
Utah-based Associated Food Stores (AFS) is bringing Instacart’s white-label e-commerce solutions Storefront and Storefront Pro to its owned and operated banners, including Fresh Market, Lin’s and Macey’s, and independent member stores, including Broulim’s, Davis Food & Drug, Kent’s and Lee’s, providing them with e-commerce and retail media capabilities “We’re excited to partner with AFS to […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Associated Food Stores, Grocery Store Layout, News, West
Dan’s Foothill Celebrates Grand Reopening In Salt Lake City, UT
Dan’s Foothill in Salt Lake City, Utah, gathered employees, vendors and guests Oct. 8 in an upper parking lot overlooking the store to celebrate its grand reopening. Director of Construction and Maintenance Jan Whiteley, Regional Director Chris Otteson, VP of Retail Operations Greg Welling and Dan’s Foothill Store Director Janel Grangroth shared their appreciation for […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Associated Food Stores, News, West, Wholesaler/Distributor News
Associated Food Stores Raises $85K For Make-A-Wish Utah
Associated Food Stores partnered with Make-A-Wish Utah to raise funds that help grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. This year’s campaign raised $84,943.73 – $3,000 more than last year’s total – with employees at Macey’s, Lin’s, Dan’s, Dick’s Market and Fresh Market helping lead the effort, collecting donations in-store and online. Each location […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Associated Food Stores, West
Reynolds Market Celebrates 100 Years Of Serving Montana Communities
Reynolds Market is marking a major milestone this year as it celebrates 100 years in business. What started in 1925 as a small grocery store in Glendive has grown into a trusted name in eastern Montana, known for its strong community ties, reliable service and commitment to customers. “This milestone reflects generations of hard work, […]
Posted inExecutive News, Associated Food Stores, News, West, Wholesaler/Distributor News
AFS Shares Executive Promotions As White Prepares For New URM Role
Following the news that EVP and COO Roger White will be leaving the company in June to become the next CEO of URM Stores Inc., Salt Lake City-based Associated Food Stores (AFS) has announced the promotions of three executives. The appointments, which will take effect following White’s departure, include: Glen Keysaw will become EVP of […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Associated Food Stores, West
AFS Begins Distribution Center Automation Project With Symbotic
Associated Food Stores (AFS) and Symbotic Inc. have begun a warehouse modernization initiative at AFS’ Utah distribution center that will transform it into a next-generation facility equipped to meet future demands. The project also advances the wholesaler’s 85-year commitment to efficiency and service for nearly 500 independent grocers in the Intermountain West Symbotic’s end-to-end automation system, with robotic […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Associated Food Stores, West
AFS Selects Procurant For FSMA 204 Rule Compliance
Salt Lake City, Utah-based Associated Food Stores (AFS) has selected Procurant, a collaborative software platform for retail grocers, to be a core component of its compliance solution for FSMA 204 rule reporting and traceability. The selection enables AFS to meet the FDA’s enhanced food safety requirements, set to take effect in January 2026, using Procurant’s […]