Bashas’ banners announce 3 new appointments for long-time employees

Bashas’ Family of Stores announced three new appointments for long-time employees Tuesday at AJ’s Fine Foods and Food City.

Jayson Mead has been named vice president of AJ’s Fine Foods, Gabe Flores is the new director of produce for AJ’s, and the new director of tortilleria at Food City is Jorge Alvarez.

Each of these promotions plays a key role in plans for future growth, and reaffirms the overall commitment of The Raley’s Companies to maintain and support the integrity and uniqueness of each store brand, said the company in a statement.

Bashas’ is a division of The Raley’s Companies. The Raley’s Companies launched late last year after Raley’s Holding Company acquired Bashas’ Family of Stores. The company’s store operations now include more than 235 locations under nine banners: Raley’s, Bel Air, Nob Hill Foods, Raley’s O-N-E Market, Bashas’, Bashas’ Diné, Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods and Eddie’s Country Store.

“Jayson, Gabe and Jorge have each demonstrated decades of tenacity, growth and commitment to their respective roles within Bashas’,” said Edward “Trey” Basha, president of Bashas’, in a statement. “Recognizing these talented leaders for their exceptional work ethic and loyalty reinforces the value we place on nurturing growth opportunities for ambitious team members.”

Mead has been with Bashas’ for 28 years, starting as a courtesy clerk in 1993 at the store in Lake Havasu. During his time at the company, he has held various positions within the store and management team. Most recently, Mead oversaw deli, bakery, produce and meat for all formats. In his new role as vice president, he will lead long-range strategy, brand positioning and performance for the brand.

Flores first joined Bashas’ in 1986 as a clerk in numerous departments, before taking on the role as produce clerk. In 1990, he was promoted to produce manager for Bashas’, then produce and floral manager at AJ’s Fine Foods, and from there has held many management roles.

Alvarez started as a deli clerk in 2011, and brings culinary, grocery and operational experience to his new role with Food City’s tortilleria. His most recent position was as director of deli/food service for Bashas’.

Bashas’ operates in Arizona, New Mexico and four Tribal Nations under five brands including Bashas’, Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods, Eddie’s Country Store and Bashas’ Diné supermarkets. Founded in 1932, Bashas’ has more than 110 grocery stores.

This story has been updated to reflect Gabe Flores' correct title.