The Fresh Grocer to Join Wakefern Cooperative

Wakefern Food Corp., a Keasbey, N.J.-headquartered wholesaler and retailer, announced that The Fresh Grocer, Philadelphia, will join the cooperative effective Oct. 1. The Fresh Grocer, which will continue to be owned and operated by Patrick J. Burns, consists of eight stores — six in the Philadelphia area, one in Wilmington, Del., and one in New Brunswick, N.J.

One Philadelphia-area location will transition to the ShopRite banner, Wakefern said, while the remaining seven locations will continue to operate under The Fresh Grocer banner. Wakefern will own The Fresh Grocer trademark.

“Adding the strength of The Fresh Grocer brand and its unique offering will help us to continue our growth in the Philadelphia marketplace,” said Joe Sheridan, Wakefern president and chief operating officer. “With several stores strategically located near college campuses, The Fresh Grocer will give us new insight into the next generation of consumers and will expand our reach to a new customer, while providing them with a wide offering of ShopRite branded products.”

Burns added that the move would be “strategically beneficial” to The Fresh Grocer’s customers and associates — and to the company as a whole.

“We are excited for this new opportunity and are looking forward to many years of continued growth and success as a member of the Wakefern family” he said.