Wakefern Food Corp. Welcomes Two New Members To Its Retail Cooperative

Keasbey, N.J. - Wakefern Food Corp. announced today that two new members have joined its retail cooperative. Upon the successful completion of the acquisition of 11 Shaw's stores, the two new members will operate three of these locations. The remaining location will be owned and operated by existing Wakefern members.

"We are always excited to welcome new members to the cooperative," said Dean Janeway, President, Wakefern Food Corp. "The unique benefits of our cooperative structure and the entrepreneurial spirit of our members help deliver the ShopRite and PriceRite reputation for low prices and high quality to our customers." The two new members, Joseph Family Markets, LLC and Miller Farms Family Markets, LLC, join Wakefern's 44 other members as part of the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States.

Mr. Charles Joseph, of Joseph Family Markets, LLC and his family will own the Canton and West Hartford locations. Raymond Miller, of Miller Family Farms, LLC and his family will own the Enfield location.

Mr. Joseph joins Wakefern with a legacy of retail experience. Prior to joining Wakefern, Mr. Joseph served as General Manager of ShopRite of Hunterdon County, Inc. for twelve years. The ShopRite of Hunterdon County, Inc. operates three ShopRite stores in Central New Jersey. In this role, he was responsible for all aspects of operating a high-volume supermarket, ensuring a consistently high standard for associate and customer satisfaction, as well as oversight of the store's financial operations, advertising and marketing initiatives. 

Mr. Miller spent 34 years at Wakefern Food Corp. in various positions. Most recently, Mr. Miller served as Manager of Retail Operations working to transition new members into the Wakefern cooperative before founding Miller Farms Family Markets and becoming a member himself.

Upon the successful completion of the acquisition, the remaining stores will be owned and operated by the following Wakefern Food Corp. members:

The location in Willimantic will be owned by PRRC, Inc. and will operate as PriceRite. 

Currently, there are thirteen ShopRite stores and eight Price Rite stores throughout Connecticut. This acquisition will increase ShopRite's presence in the area to 22 ShopRites and nine PriceRite locations to better serve the citizens of Connecticut