The leaves have fallen, the frost is on the pumpkin, and the turkey and trimmings are ready to be cooked. But, in many homes that Thanksgiving turkey now shares space with Christmas decorations and holiday music. Call me old school, but I like to have the seasons and holidays celebrated in their own space and time. I know traditions change but… to everything there is a season…
On the beautiful autumn evening of November 5, the Mid Atlantic Food Trade Organization (MAFTO) held its fall retailer dinner with guest speaker, Darren Caudill, chief sales officer at Wakefern at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe, NJ. And oh! what a night it was! Over 200 members of the retail food industry from both Metro NY and Philadelphia came out to hear Darren speak about Wakefern; what they’re currently working on, how vendors need to approach doing business with them and their vision for the future. Wakefern president Mike Steigers and the executive team, including Darren, Mark VanBuskirk, Michael Day, Francisco Alberto, and new executive team member Travis Riepenhoff among others mingled with the attendees both before and after the program. Darren touched on so many topics to the attentive crowd, but a few stood out. He spoke of the magic of Wakefern; it’s all about people. The industry is still a people business. The Wakefern growth vision, the need to grow faster and in different ways; the need to move forward into a different type of business than in the past. Most important to those in attendance was how to do business with them. He emphasized the ShopRite core competencies: family, value, freshness, quality and charity. That’s who they are. Find ways to support those elements and Wakefern will take note and listen. I was honored to participate in a fireside chat with Darren, where we had a conversation about AI and their implementation of Birdzi, which uses AI to foster customer loyalty, and one of his favorite topics, private label. We ended with a peek into his personal life after some nudging about the time he jumped out of an airplane for his birthday. Darren was pulled out of retirement by Stigers to come to Wakefern to make a difference. And he has. And there’s more to come. For those of you who didn’t attend, you missed a great opportunity to hear from a company that we rarely heard from in the past. For those who did, surely you came away with great insight into how to do business with the largest co-op in our country. Many thanks, Darren. You were awesome!
The MAFTO committee, led by Bill Schlosky, Utz; Tony Dineen, Bimbo; and Robert Melfi, Mrs. T’s, did an amazing job putting this evening together. In addition to the program, $50,000 in scholarships was awarded to deserving college students. To date, MAFTO has awarded over $600,000 in scholarships. That’s what MAFTO does, they raise money to give it away. Their mission is to improve the quality of lives through charity, education, scholarships, social events, and networking to advance and promote our food marketing industry and culture. Next up for MAFTO is Christmas for All Kids on December 5. For more information, go to mafto.org/.
The Maryland Retailers Alliance held its Hall of Fame induction ceremony and Best-Met Pete Manos Award on November 12 at Martin’s West in Woodlawn, MD. Our own Jeff Metzger and David Green of Save A Lot, emceed the program, inducting Edward Attman, Acme Paper & Supply; Bob Gleeson, Weis Markets; Michael Pastore, Pastore’s Italian Wholesale Distributor; and Rick Rodgers, B. Green & Co. into the Hall of Fame. The Best-Met Pete Manos Executive Retailer of the Year went to Mike Stigers of Wakefern Food Corporation for his contributions to the retail food industry. It was a fun trip down memory lane celebrating these industry titans. A tip of the hat to all the awardees!
The Brown family has operated the ShopRite in the Roxborough community of Philadelphia for over 37 years, and on October 30 they cut the ribbon on the extensively renovated store. This is the third remodel during those 37 years, but this renovation has made a real difference that is evident from the moment you enter the store. The walls have been pushed back to reveal a wider, easier to shop, sleek, and beautifully decorated store. The departments Brown’s shoppers have come to know and love have been updated; fresh baked goods (including the best sweet potato pie in the world), hand sliced deli, freshly prepared meals and fresh-caught seafood; not to mention the butchers ready to provide the special cuts customers want. The Brown’s beer and wine department are firmly in place, and the store also features a Di Bruno Bros. section that has all the specialty cheese, charcuterie and accoutrements from the brand that started in South Philadelphia in1939. The Di Bruno Bros. cheese mongers were on hand to sample these delicacies and educate customers about home entertaining the Di Bruno way. Three generations of the Brown Family were on hand to celebrate, including Jeff and Sandy Brown, sons Scotty and Josh, with his wife Taylor and their son Jake. Kudos to the entire Brown’s team on a job well done and your continued commitment to the Roxborough neighborhood!
On November 13, at the other end of the Food Trade News footprint, Weis Markets opened their fourth store in Delaware, this one in Middletown. It is the first new-construction store for the company in the state. The new 64,000 square-foot store features the latest in innovative store design, including expansive fresh departments, a pharmacy, and a grocery department with excellent variety, as well as a fuel center.
On hand for the pre-opening festivities was Jonathan Weis, chairman, president and CEO, who commented, “We are proud to bring Weis Markets to the Middletown community and welcome local families to experience our commitment to quality, value and convenience. We’re excited to open our doors and be part of the community. We look forward to serving Middletown families and visitors for years to come.”
In celebration of the grand opening and to thank the community for the warm welcome, Weis Markets presented $1,500 donations to local organizations, including Crystal Run Elementary School, Our Daily Bread, and Odessa Fire Company. Additionally, the Food Bank of Delaware received a donation of $17,000 as part of Weis Markets Fight Hunger program. Congratulations!
Also on November 13, Weis Markets presented the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) with a donation of $170,000 during a check presentation, marking a decade of partnership supporting America’s heroes. It took place at the Weis Markets in Nottingham, MD. The donation was generated through a comprehensive four-week customer fundraising initiative throughout October, combined with a corporate contribution. The funds will advance PVA’s vital mission to help our nation’s most severely injured and ill veterans, including those with spinal cord injuries and diseases like MS and ALS, receive specialized healthcare, meaningful employment opportunities, and the earned benefits they deserve.
The circle of life continues as little Miss Basil Moon Gardyan, fifth grandchild of Miriam and Joe Gardyan of Utz Snacks, arrived November 14. Her parents, Craig and Gabrielle are over the moon with the birth of their first child.
Celebrating another trip around the sun this grateful month of November are: Gary Michael Redner, Redner’s Fresh Markets; Jim Mullen, Stop & Shop; Joe Pace III, Pace Target Brokerage; Joseph Talluto, Talluto’s Authentic Italian Foods; Nick Bertram, Michaels; Anthony Maglio Jr., Maglio Sausage; Mike Mackin, retired from Schmidt Baking; and me, aging like fine red wine. Buon compleanno a tutti!
My annual Thanksgiving reminder: as we celebrate this most American holiday with our family and friends, please remember to give to those who are food insecure and keep our troops at home and abroad in your prayers during these trying times as they continue to sacrifice for our way of life. Happy Thanksgiving.
Quote of the month: “Give thanks for a little, and you will find a lot” – Hausa Proverb
Maria can be reached at maria@foodtradenews or 443.631.0172.
