Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, News, Stater Bros. Markets, West

McNiff To Succeed Van Helden As Stater Bros. CEO

Stater Bros. Markets President and COO Greg McNiff has been appointed CEO and president of the company while his predecessor, Pete Van Helden, will remain in the role of executive chairman of the board of directors. Both appointments will be effective on Sept. 29. All functional areas of the company will report to McNiff. “I’ve […]

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, Association News, IGA, News, Southeast

Azalea Fresh Market Opens As Atlanta’s First Municipal Grocery Store

Atlanta, in partnership with Invest Atlanta and Savi Provisions, has opened Azalea Fresh Market, a first-of-its-kind municipal grocery store in the city’s downtown. Located in the historic and repurposed Olympia Building, Azalea officially opened to the public Sept. 8. On that first day, the store welcomed 728 customers and brought in several thousands of dollars […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, News, Southeast, Supply Chain News, UNFI

UNFI Debuts Distribution Center In Sarasota, FL

As part of a strategy to deliver more value for its partners through improved operational effectiveness and efficiency, UNFI has opened the Sarasota North Distribution Center in Florida. Employees from UNFI’s former Sarasota facility have transitioned to the 1 million-square-foot facility, where they benefit from a more advanced and associate-centered environment. Sarasota North is UNFI’s first […]

Posted inPrivate Label Brands, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Midwest, News

AWG Rebrands, Expands Best Choice Brand With Superior Selections Line

Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. (AWG) has rebranded and extended its elevated private brand with the launch of Superior Selections by Best Choice. Introduced in 2000 as Best Choice Superior Selections, the brand began as a multi-serve frozen entrée program with 12 items. Over the years, it has grown into a line of 125 products, including sauces, […]

Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Beverage News, KeHE Distributors, Midwest, News

KeHE Distributors Expands Partnership With Total Wine & More

KeHE Distributors has expanded its distribution partnership with Total Wine & More, an independent retailer of wine, beer and spirits. What began as a regional initiative has evolved into a nationwide program, with KeHE serving as the primary distributor for Total Wine’s specialty grocery categories across all 283 superstores in 29 states. This strengthened relationship will […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Publix Super Markets, Southeast

Publix Inks Lease For First Downtown Jacksonville Store

Gateway Jax, a commercial real estate development firm, has signed a lease with Publix as the full-service grocery anchor for Pearl Square, a mixed-use neighborhood planned for downtown Jacksonville, Florida. Located at 119 W. Beaver St., between Hogan and Laura streets, the Publix will total 31,000 square feet. The project also will include a 15-story […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Big Y Foods, Executive News, News, Northeast

D’Amour Named Big Y Senior Director, Supermarket Operations

Big Y Foods Inc. has appointed Christian P. D’Amour senior director of supermarket operations, where he will be responsible for overseeing its five supermarket districts, ensuring operational excellence across all locations.  A third-generation D’Amour family member, he is a grandson of Big Y co-founder Gerald E. D’Amour and son of Executive Chairman Charles L. D’Amour. He […]