NGA Honors Newport Avenue Market's Rudy Dory

The National Grocers Association (NGA) has presented its Thomas K. Zaucha Entrepreneurial Excellence Award to Rudy Dory, executive chairman for Newport Avenue Market.  

“When you think of what it means to be an entrepreneur, Rudy Dory comes to mind. He’s worked almost his entire professional life in the grocery industry, growing Newport Avenue Market over the last 25 years into an innovative and strong business,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA president and CEO.

“The company is dialed into the local community, providing excellence and quality to their customers. For Rudy, his love and passion for what he does is as strong as ever and our entire industry is better because of him. I congratulate Rudy on receiving this award and look forward to working with him for years to come as we continue to advance the interests of our industry.”  

Newport Avenue Market in Bend, Ore., opened in 1991, focused on offering a variety of specialty and international foods. In 2015, the operation became the first employee-owned grocery in central Oregon, with a staff invested in providing a unique shopping experience. Newport Avenue Market has also won Central Oregon's “Best Grocery Store” 20 times in The Source Weekly’s annual community poll.

Earlier this month, Newport Avenue Market was named one of WGB's "Remarkable Independents" for its welcoming, colorful store location and helpful employee-owners. 

The NGA represents retail and wholesale grocers that comprise the independent sector of the food distribution industry. Since 2009, the Thomas K. Zaucha award, named after NGA's first president and CEO, and sponsored by Mondelez International, is presented annually to recognize an independent grocer who is identified for their vision,  innovation and creative entrepreneurship.