Here we are steamrolling to the end of 2025 and the last of the big holidays are in full swing. The food, the gifts, the decorations and the parties, so why not open a supermarket?
That’s exactly what Zallie Family Markets did! It isn’t very often we see an extraordinary store opening like the one we experienced earlier this month as David Zallie, Zallie Family Markets, and his top-notch team opened an 87,000 square foot store in the Cherrywood Plaza in Clementon, NJ. The new store officially opened its doors on December 7, replacing the longtime ShopRite of Laurel Hill, which served customers at 1224 Blackwood-Clementon Road for 52 years (photos are on page 30). Opening day was a festive event, with guests wrapped around the store for hours waiting for the ribbon cutting to mark the official opening. I watched for about 30 minutes as the customers kept streaming in singing and dancing, excited to see their new store. Family-friendly activities for the community, including live entertainment, magicians, Mummers welcoming shoppers at the entrance, balloon artists, juggling stilt walkers, a live DJ and face painting, along with complimentary caricature portraits plus food samplings could be found throughout the store. The celebration also featured special seasonal surprises, highlighted by a holiday visit from Santa. It was magical, truly an amusement park for food!
“Our family is proud to open the doors to the new ShopRite of Cherrywood Plaza,” said David Zallie, chairman and CEO. “This store reflects our ongoing pursuit of innovation and excellence, and we are excited to offer our guests a top shopping experience supported by the amenities and fresh food offerings and recipes that define Zallie Family Markets. We have been part of the community for more than 50 years and we are so grateful for the support as we look forward to welcoming both longtime and new guests.”
In celebration of the grand opening, Zallie Family Markets and the Zallie Community Foundation donated $20,000 in ShopRite gift cards to 12 local food pantries to help stock shelves and support families facing food insecurity throughout the community.
“This is a way of giving back to the community that supports us and helping local pantries meet growing needs,” said Renee Zallie, founder of the Zallie Community Foundation. This event offers a strong community-impact story tied to a new store opening, with multiple local nonprofits and school pantries represented. Congratulations on this truly magnificent store! You can see all the photos from this grand opening event right here.
As we went to press last month, The Giant Company (TGC) opened a new store in Allentown, PA in the South Mall Shopping Center at 3300 Lehigh Street. The new 68,000 square foot store and on-site fuel station replaced TGC’s store and fuel facility at 3015 West Emmaus Avenue, which closed for business November 20. Photos from the opening are here.
“At Giant, exceeding the expectations of our loyal customers is at the forefront of everything we do, and it starts with accommodating their changing grocery needs,” said John Ruane, president, TGC. “Our new store in Salisbury Township is bigger and offers a wider product assortment that enhances the overall shopping experience for our customers, while continuing to showcase what we’re known for – delivering value, freshness, and kindness.” Mike Ramos, an 18-year grocery veteran, will continue serving as store manager.
It’s that time of the year when folks decide to call it a day and walk into the sunset for retirement and relaxation. This year many of my friends are taking that route and they are all lifelong food industry members.
Even though Anthony Gigliotti retired from Boyer’s Food Markets (BFM) in September, he is included in this group. He spent 37 years in total in the food industry, 13 years at AWI, Fleming and Supervalu, and the last 22 at Boyer’s Food Markets in various roles with his last one as a part owner of the company. In a sincere letter he shared with many members of the trade, Anthony said, “I find myself filled with gratitude for the invaluable experiences and relationships I have built during my time here and through my 37-year career. I want to take this moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for each of you. Your unwavering support, encouragement, and dedication have profoundly impacted both my personal and professional journey, contributing significantly to our collective successes and achievements.” He continued, “Regardless of your role, whether you’re a teammate, a vendor, or something else entirely – your impact on the growth and success of BFM has been exceptional. The shared laughter, teamwork, and camaraderie have made this journey truly remarkable.” Upon retiring he has been working on a “honey-do” list, enjoying the company of his family and German Shepherds and working on his next chapter which is GJT Grocery, Food and Merchandising Consulting. He will be consulting on everything from brand development and strategy to warehouse negotiations and retail strategy development. I hope you take this time to smell the roses, Anthony!
One of my favorite people to work with in the industry over the years is Anthony Barbieri, vice president of membership engagement and sales, at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), who announced his retirement after his entire career in the industry. Anthony began his career in 1975 pushing carts and bagging groceries at Acme. He moved his way up to produce manager at the age of 21, held other in store positions then went into the Acme office in 1990 to work as a re-buyer in grocery. He then moved to bakery and finally to the produce department where he remained for the rest of his 34.5 years at Acme.
Anthony joined IFPA (formerly Produce Marketing Association) in 2010. His experience in retail informed his approach to creating a member-centric sponsorship and sales team, always focused on creating a true community of producers, suppliers, and professionals aligned around advancing produce and floral.
“It has been a true honor to serve this industry and our members, whose dedication and innovation continue to inspire me every day,” said Anthony. “From my early career in retail to my years at PMA and IFPA, I have always believed that our greatest strength is our people.” He had been at IFPA for 15.5 years when he decided to retire to spend time relaxing with his wife, Kelly; travel the world and focus on their daughter Gabriella’s wedding. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement, Anthony!
Joe Cunnane has spent 60 years in the retail supermarket business in many capacities. He has a tremendous reputation that has remained with him for his entire career. A native of Hatboro, PA, Joe started working at the age of 15 at the Hatboro Quick Shop. Joe moved on to work for Charles Shorday at the Great Scot Markets, a 12-store chain in Montgomery County for 15 years. He met his wife, Jackie, at Shorday’s Hatboro store. They have been married for 53 years. Joe then went to Genuardi’s and stayed even when they were sold to Safeway in the early 2000’s. For seven years he was the corporate brand manager of the Eastern Division. Acme came calling then there was a short stint at Weis and finally to Retail Marketing Group (RMG) in 2012 when Charlie Schuster retired. Joe has been an integral part of RMG with a steady, experienced hand in managing the perishable business as well as dairy, frozen, bakery, packaged meat and DSD snacks at RMG. A lifetime of retail, Joe! Joe said he is happy to end his career at RMG working with Bill Gable and Mike Rothwell, Pennington Markets. He feels very fortunate to have worked for the Genuardi Family and their commitment to customers, community and employees. Upon his retirement, Joe has “volunteered” to watch his grandchildren and volunteer at his church. Kick back and relax Joe, you deserve it!
Rick Bozelli, UNFI/Advantage Marketing Group, has also decided to take a walk into the sunset at the end of 2025 after a career in the food business. During his college years, Rick worked for Rafe Lissack, who owned Shop n Bag stores. After graduation he worked at Fleming Companies for nine years. When Fleming was going out of business, Jim McCaffrey III hired Rick. He went to the newly formed Advantage Marketing Group which included McCaffrey’s and Graul’s Markets. The group had a suburban upscale format designed to cater to the premium brand consumer. Then Murphy’s Markets folded into the group. This was all through Supervalu and UNFI where Rick held positions of marketing manager, category manager and senior category manager for The Advantage Group. Rick said he’s going to take some time off, then figure out his next chapter. His comment to me was that he’s made great relationships throughout his career and had a lot of fun doing it. The best business in the world!
George Christ’s almost 50-year career has been mostly in the food brokerage business. He started as a retail sales representative for Herbert Koff Associates in 1976. He was part of the group that purchased the brokerage after Herb’s death. The company went on for years until they sold to Fitzwater, then run by Bill Iredale. Fitzwater was consequently sold to Marketing Specialists and George took a leap to the CPG side and worked for Kemp’s Ice Cream for two years. That was short lived and he went back into the brokerage business. After Marketing Specialist’s demise, George went to JP Sales in 2001. He stayed with Jack O’Donnell for 24 years until the company was sold to A.J. Letizio earlier this year. George has been a friend for many years, and we have had good conversations, broken bread and even shared a subway ride to the Atlanta airport with Kourtnay Sweeney (that was really something!). George and his wife, Mary Anne are going to help out with their grandchildren and travel to places they’ve never been before. Sounds like a plan…enjoy!
Lastly, I want to send a retirement shoutout to Barry Scher who has been a contributor to our papers for many years. His last column is on page 28. Job well done…and thank you, Barry!
The circle of life continues as we welcome to the world little Miss Nina Lewandowski, first child of Melissa and Nick Lewandowski of JOH Produce. Baby Nina arrived on December 10 and she and her family are enjoying getting to know each other. Congratulations!
Taking another trip around the sun this celebratory month of December are: Paul McGurkin, CA Ferolie; Sue Rorke-Lawler, Acme Markets; and Alex Baloga, PFMA. Buon compleanno a tutti!
Happy Christmakwanzahanukkah from all of us at Food Trade News! As we look forward to 2026, may the giving spirit of the holidays remain with you throughout the year. Wishing our readers peace, prosperity and good health! Buone feste!
Quote of the month: “December is a time to reflect on the blessings of the past year and embrace the opportunities of the coming one.” Oprah Winfrey
Maria can be reached at 443.631.0172 or [email protected].
