KEASBEY, NJ - Wakefern Food Corp. announced the successful acquisition of Morton Williams, a family-owned neighborhood grocer with 17 stores in Manhattan, the Bronx and Jersey City. The move will preserve Morton Williams’ rich legacy and deep-rooted community connections while leveraging the resources of the largest retailer-owned supermarket cooperative in the U.S. Wakefern announced the purchase agreement in August.
“When a brand is so embedded in the community, it’s essential that we preserve that legacy. Wakefern brings the scale and support to help independent operators compete and grow while retaining their local roots that made them successful. As a cooperative made up of family-owned businesses, we also know how to honor that community spirit while delivering the technology and support needed to help grocers succeed in today’s highly competitive marketplace. That is why we are so excited that Morton Williams, a storied Manhattan grocer, is joining Wakefern’s family of brands,” said Wakefern President Mike Stigers in a press release.
Customers will find the same neighborhood feel, elevated shopping experience and fresh prepared foods at their local Morton Williams store, and Wakefern will retain all the team members across stores. Leadership from Morton Williams, including members of the Sloan family who established the Morton Williams brand in the 1970s, will also remain.
“There is an incredible, high performing team across Morton Williams stores and we look forward to working with them and learning from them as we bring the capabilities of our cooperative to the Morton Williams organization,” added Stigers. “We look forward to building on this great brand as we continue to bring high-quality, fresh foods and groceries to residents of one of the greatest cities in the world.”
A wholly owned subsidiary of Wakefern will operate the 17 stores in the tradition New Yorkers have come to expect, with special emphasis on fresh prepared meals, baked goods, produce and popular private label products from both Morton Williams and Wakefern.
“Wakefern is looking to the future with a long-term plan for sustainable growth for the next generations of our Membership. That means growing both within our cooperative – with our existing Wakefern members and banners – as well as making new acquisitions and expanding our wholesale distribution network. The acquisition of Morton Williams is part of our vision for the future, and we are thrilled to welcome Morton Williams to our Wakefern family,” added Wakefern Chairman Sean McMenamin.
Like Wakefern, Morton Williams has deep family roots. The family’s food business began in 1952, founded by brothers Joe and Irving Sloan. Joe’s sons, Morton and William, later expanded into supermarkets across New York City. In recent years, Morton Williams was guided by the third generation – Avi Kaner, Morton Sloan’s son-in-law; David Sloan, Morton’s son; and Steven Sloan, the son of William Sloan.
“Morton Williams has always been deeply connected to the neighborhoods we serve, and we’re proud to see that legacy continue under Wakefern’s leadership,” said Avi Kaner, speaking on behalf of the Sloan and Kaner family. “We’re confident that our team members and loyal customers will thrive as part of the Wakefern family. It’s reassuring to know the future of Morton Williams is in such capable and caring hands.”
Kevin McDonnell, currently president of Wakefern’s wholly owned subsidiary PRRC, Inc., which operates stores under the Price Rite Marketplace banner, will serve as the Wakefern executive leading Morton Williams. McDonnell is a 40-year supermarket industry veteran with broad experience in store operations, merchandising, marketing and management as well as extensive experience in operating stores in the New York City area.
“I look forward to working with the team at Morton Williams to continue delivering the service, quality and great fresh foods the brand is known for while bringing all the advantages and support of our cooperative to the table,” noted McDonnell. “The buying power of the Wakefern cooperative, which has more than 360 stores in nine states, and the legacy of Morton Williams service is a winning combination.”
To learn more, click here.
