Back to work at Market Basket

Arthur T. Demoulas lauded employees of Market Basket for their dedication and resolve in bringing about events that helped return the ousted president to the company Thursday morning.

“As I stand before you I am in awe of all you accomplished, and the sterling example you have all set for so many people across the region and across the country,” Demoulas told hundreds of workers who likewise returned to work at Demoulas Super Markets’ Tewksbury, Mass. headquarters Thursday morning. “As I stand here there is very little that I could ever add to your brilliant words, your extraordinary display of loyalty, and the power of your enduring human spirit over the past six weeks.”

As reported in SN, Demoulas late Wednesday completed an agreement to buy the 50.5% of the company he did not own from rival family members. That group led an effort to fire Demoulas and several senior staff members in late June, setting off a chaotic worker walkout that had crippled the company’s 71 stores for nearly six weeks. Following an 11-minute speech outside headquarters, Demoulas greeted workers inside the company’s offices.

Warehouse workers and truckers, who led the walkoff, in the meantime resumed activity.

Stores, virtually empty of products, shoppers and employees in recent weeks, were busy again too. Bakery workers at one store baked cakes displaying a giraffe, which workers — “sticking their necks out” — adopted as a mascot during their struggle.

While Market Basket likely faces a long road to recovery, some shoppers were ready to help it along.