SpartanNash Acquires Midwest Regional Grocer
SpartanNash is expanding its retail footprint with the acquisition of Fresh Encounter Inc. (FEI), a 49-store supermarket chain with stores in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky.
Owned by third-generation grocers Michael Needler Jr. and Julie Anderson, FEI has been a customer of SpartanNash for 58 years. The acquisition expands SpartanNash’s retail footprint by 33% and is the company’s second retail acquisition in 2024 following the addition of Metcalfe’s Market in April. The transaction is expected to close in late November, subject to customary closing conditions and terms of the FEI deal were not disclosed.
"Fresh Encounter has been a successful family-owned and operated business for decades, and we are proud to continue this legacy," said Tony Sarsam, SpartanNash CEO. "This acquisition is an exciting milestone in our company's strategic growth plans. Not only will we welcome 2,500 new associates to the SpartanNash family, we will also begin serving shoppers in Kentucky and grow our existing footprint across Ohio and Indiana.
Sarsam added that retail is a critical component of SpartanNash’s business model and long-term strategic plan, as the company works to meet consumer needs and leverage insights from its stores to continuously innovate its products and operations across the wholesale business.
"We are proud of the business our family has built and look forward to advancing our relationship with SpartanNash," said Needler, FEI’s CEO. "As their customer, we have seen firsthand the People First culture at SpartanNash, and we appreciate the career opportunities and growth this will unlock for Fresh Encounter team members."
FEI operates under the retail store banners Community Markets, Remke Markets, Chief Markets, and Needler's Fresh Market.
