Harps taps Payton to head 10Box format

Harps Food Stores on Monday announced that it has named Dean Payton (left) director of its 10Box division while Mike Roberts was promoted to director of produce operations.

Payton has spent 14 years as a district manager for Harps and before that was a store manager for eight years. 10Box is Harps’ new “cost-plus” format and currently operates in four locations in Arkansas.

“Dean has truly been instrumental in the successful rollout of our new 10Box format,” Kim Eskew, CEO of Harps, said in a statement. “I am excited for Dean to be able to devote his full attention to this exciting new Harps venture and look forward to his leadership in this newly formed division.”

Roberts (left) is succeeding Dennis Baker, who is retiring in August.

Roberts most recently served as a produce merchandiser and before that as a produce manager. He is a member of the Southeast Produce Council and the Produce Marketing Association.

Roberts recently attended the National Grocer’s Association Cornell University Executive Leadership Program.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to lead our produce department and look forward to guiding us in the right direction. To be able to do what I have a real passion for with such wonderful people at a great organization like Harps is a tremendous honor,” Roberts said.

Harps based Springdale, Ark., operates 87 stores in Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas.