For Aaron Stone, working at the family’s grocery business was never really a question; it always felt like the natural path.
Category: Anniversary Issues
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, Featured News, News, West
Mollie Stone’s Second-Gen COO Enjoys Dynamic Business, Finding Ways To ‘Get Better Every Day’
The Shelby Report of the West EVP Bob Reeves sat down with Mollie Stone’s Markets COO Elliott Stone, older son of founder/owner/CEO Mike Stone, at an Italian restaurant in Sausalito – which has a Mollie Stone’s – for a meal and a talk about the company. Stone’s grocery roots run deep, and not just through […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, Featured News, News, West
Mollie Stone’s Marks 40 Years With Eye On Growth, Family Succession
Mollie Stone’s Market owner and CEO Michael “Mike” Stone gained an appreciation of good food early in his life, thanks to his grandmother. That early appreciation for food has not waned over the years and has been a key component in Stone’s enduring passion for making Mollie Stone’s a place where people can indulge their […]
Posted inExecutive News, Anniversary Issues, Feature, Featured News, Midwest, News, Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year
Stewardship And Growth: Former AWG CEO Smith Reflects On Leading Through Change
As Associated Wholesale Grocers celebrates its centennial, former CEO David Smith looks back on his tenure with the perspective of a steward who sought to leave the cooperative stronger than he found it. Smith joined AWG in August 2003 as director of real estate. He stepped into the CEO role at the end of 2015, […]
Posted inWholesaler/Distributor News, Anniversary Issues, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Feature, Featured News, Finance News, Midwest, News, Wholesaler/Distributor of the Year
AWG’s Cooperative Strength Positions Independent Grocers For Future
As Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026, the cooperative is reflecting on a century defined by independent spirit, shared success and an unwavering commitment to its members – while keeping its focus firmly on what comes next. Founded in 1926 by a group of independent grocers who believed they were stronger […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, Finance News, News, Retailer of the Year, Vallarta Supermarkets, West
Vallarta Moving To Broader Appeal – ‘We’ve Got To Give Everybody Something’
In 1985, the Gonzalez family opened a small market in Van Nuys, California, called Carnicería Vallarta. The family focused on selling traditional cuts of meats popular in their native Mexico. They worked hard to build a name for themselves by offering high-quality authentic products, providing a high level of customer service and treating employees as […]
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Anniversary Issues, Finance News, News, West
Bringing Public Company Discipline To Longtime Family-Owned Business
In 1985, the Gonzalez family opened a small market in Van Nuys, California, called Carnicería Vallarta. The family focused on selling traditional cuts of meats popular in their native Mexico. They worked hard to build a name for themselves by offering high-quality authentic products, providing a high level of customer service and treating employees as […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, Finance News, News, Retailer of the Year, Vallarta Supermarkets, West
SoCal-Based Vallarta Supermarkets Charts Path Of Growth, Change
In 1985, the Gonzalez family opened a small market in Van Nuys, California, called Carnicería Vallarta. The family focused on selling traditional cuts of meats popular in their native Mexico. They worked hard to build a name for themselves by offering high-quality authentic products, providing a high level of customer service and treating employees as […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, H-E-B, News, Retailer of the Year, Southwest
H-E-B Celebrates Leadership, Milestones
Over its storied 120-year history, H-E-B has become synonymous with the grocery industry in Texas. And it’s not showing any signs of slowing down. The Shelby Report of the Southwest’s 2025 Retailer of the Year continues to expand into the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, as well as other areas of the Lone Star State, and remains […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, H-E-B, News, Retailer of the Year, Southwest
H-E-B Celebrates Expansion, Growth In Texas
Over its storied 120-year history, H-E-B has become synonymous with the grocery industry in Texas. And it’s not showing any signs of slowing down. The Shelby Report of the Southwest’s 2025 Retailer of the Year continues to expand into the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, as well as other areas of the Lone Star State, and remains […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, H-E-B, News, Retailer of the Year, Southwest
Partners Key To H-E-B’s Success, ‘Make Everything We Do Possible’
Over its storied 120-year history, H-E-B has become synonymous with the grocery industry in Texas. And it’s not showing any signs of slowing down. The Shelby Report of the Southwest’s 2025 Retailer of the Year continues to expand into the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, as well as other areas of the Lone Star State, and remains […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, Finance News, News, Rouses Market, Southeast, Special Section
‘Mr. Anthony’ Remembered For Drive, Work Ethic At Rouses Markets
A good entrepreneur can build a business from the ground up. A great entrepreneur can build a business from the ground up, literally. That was Anthony Rouse, the founder of Rouses Markets. Those who remember him recall the family man in coveralls who was always the hardest-working man in the room – or on the […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, Finance News, News, Rouses Market, Southeast, Special Section
Rouses Chairman: ‘We’ll Keep Trying To Get Better Forever’
As Rouses Markets celebrates its 65th anniversary, Chairman Donald Rouse Sr. reflects on the roots of the family-owned company and looks to the future with the third generation leading the way. Rouse said his father, Anthony J. Rouse Sr., set the standard for the company with his humility and strong work ethic. “He would never […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, Finance News, News, Rouses Market, Southeast, Special Section
Third-Generation Rouses CEO: ‘We’re The No. 1 Grocer’ Along Gulf Coast
For Donny Rouse, president and CEO of Rouses Markets, the story of the company’s past and its vision for the future always come back to family, community and the Gulf Coast culture that shaped them both. “It first starts with my grandfather and his passion and energy for the business and willing to do anything […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, Midwest, News, Special Section
Busch’s Fresh Food Market President, CEO Finds Home At Family-Owned Grocer
As Busch’s Fresh Food Market enters its next half-century, President and CEO Bobby Turner is nearing his third year leading the 16-store, family-owned grocer with a focus on modernization, cultural strength and deep community connection. Turner, who brings more than 35 years of food retail experience, including decades with Whole Foods Market, has found a […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, Finance News, Midwest, News, Special Section
Busch’s Fresh Food Market Honors Its Roots – Quality, Partners, Community
As Busch’s Fresh Food Market enters its next 50 years, the family-owned Michigan grocer is strengthening its foundation through strategic investment in people, technology and community. The company’s mission remains clear: deliver an exceptional fresh food experience while staying true to the neighborhood-focused culture that has defined Busch’s for generations. The momentum at Busch’s is […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, News, Northgate Market, West
Miguel Gonzalez: Transitions To Advisory Role, Confident In Northgate’s Next Chapter
It’s just been a few months since Miguel González stepped away from day-to-day operations at Northgate González Market, with his brother, Jesús, succeeding him as co-president. “Jesús is smart, and he is a very hard worker and knows a lot about the business,” Miguel said. “It was my recommendation to approve Jesús as the new […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, News, Northgate Market, West
Northgate At 45 – Focused On Family, Faith, Fresh Opportunity
When Jesús González reflects on the story of Northgate González Market, he doesn’t talk first about sales figures or square footage. He talks about family and faith. “Two things have always guided us,” he said. “From my father, we learned hard work. From my mother, we learned faith and unity. Those are still the values […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Anniversary Issues, News, Northgate Market, West
Emerging Young Leaders Poised To Carry Northgate Founders’ Legacy Forward
Oscar González serves as COO and co-president of Northgate González Market. Brother Miguel had served alongside Oscar at the helm of the company until his recent retirement. Now brother Jesús has moved into the co-presidency slot with Oscar. As other members of the second generation begin to retire, Oscar believes that one of the top […]
Posted inRetailer of the Year, Anniversary Issues, News, Publix Super Markets, Southeast
‘Publix Will Take Care Of You’ – Opportunities Aplenty For Associates Of All Ages
At Publix Super Markets, ownership isn’t just a financial arrangement – it’s a mindset that leaders say has fueled the grocer’s success for 95 years. As the largest employee-owned company in the U.S., Publix has more than 260,000 associates across eight states. Each has the opportunity to become an owner through the company’s employee stock […]