Marking eight decades of retail excellence, retailer-owned cooperative Wakefern Food Corp. celebrated its 80th anniversary during its annual shareholders’ meeting on Thursday, Oct.22, at the Hilton in East Brunswick. The milestone event drew nearly 700 attendees—including cooperative members, store management, and corporate teams—with thousands more joining virtually from across the Northeast.
Against a backdrop of industry evolution, Wakefern reported strong financial performance for its 53-week fiscal year ending Oct. 3, posting retail sales of $21.5 billion, a 2% increase over the previous year.
Founded in 1946 by eight independent New Jersey grocers who pooled their resources, Wakefern has grown into the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States. Today, its member companies independently operate hundreds of supermarkets across nine states under banners such as ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Fairway Market, Gourmet Garage, and Di Bruno Bros.
With an annual meeting theme centered on a “Bold New Future,” leadership emphasized that the cooperative’s next chapter will rely on strategic expansion, technological upgrades, and a commitment to independent, family-owned businesses.
“Eighty years ago, independent grocers came together with a shared vision and founded a cooperative that has grown into one of the most successful food retail organizations in the country,” Sean McMenamin, chairman of Wakefern Food Corp., said. “As we honor that legacy, we are also looking ahead. Our future will be shaped by our willingness to think bigger, embrace change, pursue smart growth and move forward together as one cooperative.”
Over the past fiscal year, Wakefern members invested more than $150 million in new stores, comprehensive store renovations, and customer-facing improvements. This capital investment supported the opening of seven new stores—including five ShopRite locations, one The Fresh Grocer, and one Price Rite Marketplace.
Simultaneously, the cooperative expanded its e-commerce pick-up and delivery infrastructure, enhanced professional development and training for corporate and retail teams, and broadened its wholesale operations—notably expanding the distribution of its artisanal Di Bruno Bros. specialty product line to all 50 states.
“We are creating new opportunities for growth for the cooperative while remaining focused on serving customers and strengthening the family-owned, independent businesses at the heart of Wakefern,” Wakefern President Mike Stigers said. “At the same time, our members continue to invest in their stores, communities and people, and that commitment is fueling our momentum.”
The anniversary meeting also highlighted generational continuity within the cooperative’s leadership structure.
Chairman Sean McMenamin recognized two long-serving outgoing members of the Board of Directors: Len Sitar, president of ShopRite of Carteret, and Richard Saker, president and CEO of Saker ShopRites, for their combined 60 years of dedicated service to the board.
To guide the cooperative into its next era, Wakefern welcomed four new members to its Board of Directors:
- Tim Mannix, vice president of Mannix Family Markets
- Dara Sblendorio, president of Sunrise ShopRite
- Rick Saker, senior vice president of Saker ShopRites
- Spencer Wolfson, vice president of ShopRite of Lincoln Park
McMenamin noted that the incoming board members represent the second, third, and fourth generations of their respective family-run grocery businesses, symbolizing the deep multigenerational roots that sustain the cooperative model.
The cooperative’s prestigious Chairman’s Award was presented to Larri Wolfson, a third-generation grocer, owner and operator of ShopRite of Lincoln Park, and a former board vice chairman. Wolfson was celebrated for his steadfast dedication to cooperative values, mentorship of emerging retail leaders, and enduring impact on the organization.
“Larri’s impact on Wakefern extends far beyond the leadership positions he has held,” McMenamin said. “His wisdom and unwavering commitment to our cooperative have helped shape generations of Wakefern leaders and strengthen our organization for the future.”
As Wakefern looks ahead to its next 80 years, the cooperative remains anchored in the localized service, community engagement, and family-driven entrepreneurship that launched its journey in post-World War II New Jersey.
