The grocery retail landscape in the western United States is as diverse and dynamic as the region itself. Across states, we find one of the most varied geographic landscapes in the country. The region presents a diverse range of climates and terrains, from deserts throughout Arizona, Nevada and California to rainforests in Washington and Alaska. […]
Category: West
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, West
Benedict Family Has Served Wyoming’s Bridger Valley For 80-plus Years
In the exhibit hall at an NGA Show in Las Vegas a few years ago, Jim Benedict saw a Southern Pride smoker and decided on the spot to buy one for his family’s store in Mountain View, Wyoming. Others were intrigued by it; he was not only intrigued by it but moved decisively to make […]
Posted inFrozen Food, Midwest, Produce News, West
Lakeside Foods Acquires Vegetable Manufacturer Smith Frozen Foods
Lakeside Foods has announced its intent to purchase the business assets of Smith Frozen Foods – including its Weston, Oregon, production facility and Garrett Packing/Brittany Farms operations in Milton-Freewater, Oregon – to produce frozen vegetables. “Smith Frozen Foods is well-regarded in the industry for its strong legacy of growing and processing vegetables and its unwavering commitment […]
Posted inRaley's, Independent Store News, West
Raley’s Food For Families Welcomes Three To Board Of Directors
Raley’s nonprofit, Food For Families, has appointed three new members to its board of directors – Robin Gutridge, Brad Poalillo and Bahar Abullarade. Food For Families was founded by Joyce Raley Teel and CEO Emeritus Chuck Collings in 1986 as a holiday food drive. Since its inception, the organization has grown to serve Feeding America […]
Posted inNatural Grocers, Corporate Store News, West
Natural Grocers To Shutter Store Dec. 11 In Tucson, AZ
Natural Grocers will close its store at 7220 E Broadway Blvd. in Tucson, Arizona, on Dec. 11. The company began storewide closing sales Dec. 3, with discounts of 25 percent off items in the dairy, frozen, grocery and produce departments and 10 percent off everything else, including supplements, body care and beauty. The store is […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, The Kroger Co., West
Heritage Grocers Group Taps Monford As Next Chairman, CEO
Ontario, California-based Heritage Grocers Group has named Suzy Monford as chairman and CEO. Monford, who most recently served as CEO of Food Sport International, a global consultancy that advises retailers on financial and impact value creation, has more than 25 years of experience and a record of leadership and innovation at industry-leading food retailers. Heritage […]
Posted inFood Industry Hall of Fame, Executive News, West
Superior Grocers CEO Wardwell Hailed For Exceptional Leadership, Dedication
There are words that come up frequently when people talk about Richard Wardwell, president and CEO of Superior Grocers. Driven. Intense. Hands-on. Aware. Friendly. Funny. Tireless. Good-hearted. Humble. Competitive. He doesn’t sleep much and works six 15ish-hour days a week, which would make most people unable to be any of those things. When he’s not […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, West
WAFC Elects Super King VP Fermanian To Board Of Directors
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) elected Jake Fermanian of Super King Markets to the board of directors at its Nov. 9 meeting in San Diego, California. Fermanian is the VP of Super King Markets, a family-owned and -operated grocery chain with eight locations in Southern California. Having grown up in the family business […]