United Supermarkets Promotes Sidney Hopper to CEO

United Supermarkets LLC of Lubbock, Texas, has named President Sidney Hopper to the role of CEO, effective March 1. Current CEO Robert Taylor will continue in an advisory role for the company as EVP, senior adviser, the company said.

During Taylor’s tenure as CEO, the footprint of the company more than doubled to 96 stores, with an expansion of its self-distribution center, and the acquisition of a manufacturing facility and ice plant.

“It is hard to quantify all Robert has brought to this company,” said Hopper in a release. “Robert is an innovator, and he invests in developing people and communities. There are few things that have happened in our company over the last 13 years that don’t carry Robert’s fingerprints. He is an ardent community supporter and models that value for all the leadership in stores and facilities across the 54 communities we serve.”

Sidney Hopper
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In his new role, Taylor will continue spearheading the United Food & Beverage Services. The newest venture of United Supermarkets was recently formed to provide banquet services, concessions and operate the Rave On restaurant in Buddy Holly Hall, a $153 million privately funded entertainment and education venue opening in Lubbock this month. He will continue to serve on the executive team with involvement in government relations, real estate, innovation and special projects.

In 1971, Taylor began operating his father’s wholesale tobacco and candy business, R.C Taylor Wholesale, after his father became seriously ill, and the company flourished under Taylor’s leadership. In July 2007, Taylor sold R.C. Taylor Wholesale to one of his largest customers, United Supermarkets, and joined United’s leadership team as vice president of logistics. In 2010, Taylor was named CEO of United Supermarkets, which was subsequently purchased by Albertson’s LLC in 2014.

Earlier this week, Taylor spoke to team members via video. “I have been working for, or with, this great company for 51 years, and I am ready to have a little more flexible time to spend with my wife Jan and our kids and grandkids,” he said.

While Taylor has had a decades-long relationship with United Supermarkets, much of Hopper’s career also has been with the grocer. With more than 37 years of service in the grocery industry, Hopper was appointed COO of United Supermarkets in 2004, and in 2018, became president of The United Family. He holds an executive MBA from the University of Texas at Dallas.

United Supermarkets is a Texas-based grocery chain with stores in 54 communities in Texas and New Mexico. A self-distributing company with headquarters and distribution centers in Lubbock, The United Family currently operates 95 stores under five banners—United Supermarkets, Market Street, Amigos, Albertsons Market and United Express—along with ancillary operations R.C. Taylor, Praters and Llano Logistics. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Albertsons LLC.