Expansion ahead! Wakefern Food Corp. has revealed the recent expansion of its retail cooperative, building out its network with the addition of a Pennsylvania-based grocery chain. Gerrity’s Supermarkets, owned by the Fasula family, has joined the cooperative as Wakefern’s 48th member.
“The Fasulas are a strong addition to our cooperative and another family-owned business that provides an exceptional experience and quality fresh foods for its customers and a great place to work for its associates,” commented Joseph Colalillo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wakefern. “Membership in our cooperative allows independent operators like the Fasulas to maintain their entrepreneurial spirit while benefiting from the scale and services Wakefern offers. We look forward to welcoming the Fasula family to Wakefern.”
Gerrity’s began in 1895 as a small meat market and has since expanded to 10 supermarkets in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. They are operated by Co-Owners Joyce “Mom” Fasula and her son Joe.
Currently, the Fasula family operates retail locations in Pennsylvania under the Gerrity’s Supermarkets banner. Upon its conversion, these stores will be rebranded as Gerrity’s The Fresh Grocer, a Wakefern trademark. There are 11 Fresh Grocer stores in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to a press release, each one independently owned by Wakefern cooperative members.
“Our family is excited to join the Wakefern cooperative, which is committed to helping family-owned businesses like ours gain a competitive edge in a rapidly changing and challenging industry,” said Joe Fasula. “Wakefern will help us save our customers money and provide an enhanced assortment of products to our customers, including high-quality, on-trend private label foods, and increased buying power of a cooperative.”
With a newly added member to its ever-expanding network, what growth will we see from Wakefern Food Corp. next? Keep reading Deli Market News to find out.
