Bashas’ promotes Steve Mayer to COO

Bashas’ Family of Stores announced the promotion of Steve Mayer to chief operating officer Thursday. It is a move the company said reflects a "focus on growth at Bashas’ Family of Stores.”

Mayer previously served as SVP of marketing, merchandising and procurement for the food retailer that operates Food City, AJ's Fine Foods, Eddie's Country Store and both Bashas' and Bashas' Diné supermarkets. Bashas’ is a division of The Raley’s Companies, which 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.

Mayer's new role will expand on his SVP post, adding store operations to his responsibilities. He'll oversee the grocer’s strategic vision and day-to-day operations. As a member of the Bashas’ executive committee, Mayer will also represent Bashas’ on The Raley’s Companies executive leadership team. He will continue to report to Edward “Trey” Basha, president of Bashas’.

“Steve has proven to be a valued leader since joining our team nearly two and a half years ago,” Basha said in a statement. “He has helped to shape our brand and market strategies and enhanced our overall business acumen, while also building a strong team. We look forward to seeing Steve’s influence become even more evident in our team dynamics and business performance.”

Mayer has more than three decades of experience in grocery retail, and has held various strategic leadership roles. Prior to joining Bashas’ Family of Stores, Mayer was chief merchant and member of the executive strategy team at Schnucks Markets, Inc. He has also served in executive roles at Meijer Corporation, Bi-Lo, Ahold USA and Flavor 1st, where he was appointed the company’s president.

“Bashas’ and The Raley’s Companies is fortunate to have a capable and inspiring leader in Steve Mayer. I commend Trey on his decision to bring Steve onto the team in Spring of 2021 and for recognizing Steve’s potential to lead in this broader capacity. I congratulate Steve, his wife, Jeanette, and family, as well as the Bashas’ team,” said Keith Knopf, president and CEO of The Raley’s Companies, in a statement.

Recently, Bashas’ Family of Stores announced additional new appointments for long-time employees at AJ’s Fine Foods and Food City. Jayson Mead was named vice president of AJ’s Fine Foods, Gabe Flores was appointed to the director of produce role 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 regarding the appointments.

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. The company was founded in 1932, and has more than 110 grocery stores.