TYLER, TX - Brookshire Grocery Company has announced the retirement of Chairman and CEO Brad Brookshire, bringing to a close nearly five decades of leadership at the family-owned retailer.
The announcement, reported at KTBS, marks the end of a 49-year career with the company for Brookshire, who has served as board chairman for 20 years and CEO for the past decade. He is the grandson of company founder W.T. Brookshire and spent his career rising through multiple operational roles across the business.
“From growing up in this company and watching my grandfather lead the company, to stepping into the shoes myself, it has been the greatest honor to be Chairman and CEO of Brookshire Grocery Company,” Brookshire said in the recent release. “BGC’s success has always been driven by our employee-partners, our customers, and our communities, and I’m thankful for the support that has carried this company forward for nearly a century.”
Over the course of his leadership tenure, the company expanded its footprint across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma, growing from 152 stores to 222 locations. During that time, the retailer also strengthened several of its banners, including Super 1 Foods, FRESH by Brookshire’s, and Spring Market, while adding the Reasor’s banner in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Brookshire’s time as CEO also included investments in store remodels, technology upgrades, and partnerships with national brands, as well as continued involvement in the communities served by the company’s stores.
The company highlighted several initiatives launched during his tenure, including the Heroes Flight program, which has escorted nearly 600 veterans on 21 all-expenses-paid trips to Washington, D.C., and the Focus on the Future Scholarship program, a more than $1 million scholarship endowment benefiting students attending over 45 colleges and universities in markets where the company operates.
Brookshire was inducted into the Food Industry Hall of Fame in 2020 and received the Food Industry Association’s Sidney R. Rabb Award in 2024, considered one of the grocery industry’s highest honors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he also served on Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s Strike Force to Open Texas.
Following the retirement announcement, the company confirmed that Jerry LeClair will step into the role of interim CEO. LeClair joined the company in 2019 as executive vice president and chief merchant officer and was promoted to chief operating officer last year, bringing more than four decades of grocery industry experience to the position.
“Brad’s leadership has shaped BGC in profound and lasting ways,” said LeClair. “He has led with integrity, humility, and a genuine care for people, ensuring that BGC continues to thrive while honoring the company’s heritage. Brad strengthened the foundation laid by our company founder, and we are determined to continue his legacy. As a team, we will remain focused on serving our customers and supporting our employee-partners.”
Brookshire Grocery Company plans to recognize Brookshire’s contributions later this spring with a celebration event honoring his years of service and commemorating his retirement.
