Isaac Smalls of the Food Lion at 2465 Main St. in Elgin, South Carolina, has been named the grocer’s 2023 Ralph W. Ketner Store Manager Excellence Award winner.
Smalls was selected from a group of more than 1,100 store managers across Food Lion’s 10-state operating area.
Named after one of Food Lion’s founders, the award recognizes exceptional store managers who enrich the lives of their customers, employees and communities.
In addition to Smalls, four other store managers were named 2023 Divisional Store Manager Excellence Award recipients.
They include:
- Mid-Atlantic Division: Angela Robinson, 238 Pritchard Road in Clayton, North Carolina;
- Northern Division: Jay Moaveni, 130 Duella Drive in Inwood, West Virginia;
- Central Division: Patrick Burns, 3680 S. New Hope Road, Gastonia, North Carolina; and
- Richmond/Norfolk: Jeff Salmon, 11010 Kentucky Road, Mineral, Virginia;
In recognition of Small’s impact, Food Lion will donate 20,000 meals in his name to Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist in Bishopville, South Carolina.
“I am truly honored to receive this honor and represent the Southern Division. It gives me the ultimate sense of pride and accomplishment,” Smalls said.
“No matter where your journey begins, strive to be the best at what you’re doing, as bigger and better opportunities will await you here at Food Lion.”
Smalls joined Food Lion in 2008 as a bagger and held multiple roles leading up to store manager. He leads a team of about 95 employees and was described as a leader who listens, communicates, leads by example, adapts to change and brings out the best in others.
“Isaac’s leadership is a testament to the positive influence a store manager can have on associates, customers and the towns and cities they serve,” said Food Lion President Meg Ham.
“Our store managers are the heartbeat of Food Lion. They foster a culture of care and belonging that helps their associates thrive and their communities flourish. I am proud to recognize these five leaders and deeply appreciate all they do to bring our brand, strategy and culture to life while nourishing families and setting them up for success in life.”
About Food Lion
Founded and based in Salisbury, North Carolina, Food Lion is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA, the U.S. division of Zaandam-based Ahold Delhaize.
Food Lion has more than 82,000 employees across some 1,100 stores in 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states.
Through Food Lion Feeds, the retailer has donated more than 1 billion meals since 2014 and has committed to donate 1.5 billion meals by 2025.
Read more corporate chain store news from The Shelby Report.
