Davis Takes Bristol Farms Back

MARK HAMSTRA

CARSON, Calif. — Longtime Bristol Farms executive Kevin Davis, along with other executives at the chain and backed by an investment company, have acquired the 14-unit, upscale operator back from Minneapolis-based Supervalu.

"We really believe it is an opportunity to focus on our roots as a locally independent-owned, entrepreneurial private company, focusing on the local needs and expectations of our customers," Davis told SN on Friday.

Davis, who is chairman, president and chief executive officer, has been with Bristol Farms for 14 years, remaining through the 2004 acquisition by Albertsons and subsequent acquisition of Albertsons by Supervalu. He along with Sam Masterson, executive vice president, and 16 other executives will have an equity interest in the chain in partnership with Los Angeles-based Endeavour Capital. Terms of the sale, which was effective on Friday, were not disclosed.

Bristol Farms operates 14 upscale stores, including one natural and organic store under the Lazy Acres banner. Endeavour has several food- and retail-related investments, including a stake it acquired last year in Portland, Ore.-based New Seasons Market. Earlier this year Endeavour sold an interest in Boise, Idaho-based discounter WinCo Foods.

In a prepared statement, Brian Huff, Supervalu senior vice president, specialty retail, said the sale would will "allow Supervalu to operate more efficiently and effectively and focus on improving the shopping experience throughout its entire network of owned and supplied stores."

Bristol Farms will continue to be supplied by Los Angeles-based Unified Grocers and other suppliers. It had not been supplied by Supervalu.