Welcome to another resolution-free year! Doesn’t it seem like Y2k was just a few years ago? Actually, it was 25 years ago, which means we are on our way to the middle of the 21st century; a daunting thought to be sure. Our Philadelphia Eagles are in the hunt for a spot in Super Bowl LIX as they have just two more games to win before the Big Game on February 9. By that time, the Phillies equipment caravan will be leaving for Clearwater, which also means that spring is just around the corner. So much to look forward to. As for the retail food business, I have only this advice: tighten your seatbelt, it’s going to be a crazy ride in 2025!
The Giant Company made a bold statement on December 13, as it opened its ninth Philadelphia store on the northeast corner of Broad Street and Washington Avenue in South Philly. The 40,000 square foot store is on the ground floor of a luxury apartment building, called One Thousand One South Broad, at the south end of the “Avenue of the Arts” which has recently been reimagined as a residential and artsy neighborhood (they even tore down a McDonald’s) with entertainment venues, apartments, restaurants and now three food market options (Sprouts, Giant and Target).
Many years ago, this location was the home of the John Wanamaker Department Store stables, then a warehouse for Wanamaker’s. South Broad, as the Giant folks call it, has all the familiar departments and products their customers have come to know neatly packaged into a city-sized store. The store will employ more than 100 full- and part-time team members. With parking on Broad Street and surrounding streets being a nightmare, Giant customers will be able to take advantage of an underground parking garage while shopping at the store. In addition, the store features a convenient drop-off loop for customers who arrive at the store via taxi or rideshare service plus walking is always a good option.
“Since opening our first Philadelphia store in 2011, we have continued to offer convenience for city residents’ grocery needs, combined with the freshness, value and quality they have come to expect from Giant,” said John Ruane, president, The Giant Company. “Our new South Broad store builds on these offerings with a modern, bright décor, increased product variety, and a friendly team providing a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.”
John Heron, a 15-year grocery veteran, has been appointed store manager of the newest Giant. “Our team is excited to become a part of the vibrant South Broad community and serve the grocery needs of our neighbors,” said Heron. “Just in time for the holidays, Philadelphia’s newest Giant has everything customers need to celebrate – we know they’re going to love shopping with us.”
With two stores strategically placed on either side of Center City and now this one smack in the middle of it all, plus the Heirloom Markets, it seems as though Giant has mastered the art of the City store. Congratulations!
Redner’s Markets hosted its ninth annual holiday event benefiting the Olivet Boys and Girls Club of Reading and Berks County on December 18 at the Redner’s Event Center at FirstEnergy Stadium. Founded in 1898, Olivet Boys & Girls Club has been reaching out to the area’s young people most in need of their help, providing them with a safe, fun, and positive environment in which they can thrive. Its mission is to provide a safe haven for young people in the Reading community. The Club is a chartered member of Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Over 350 well behaved children participated in the many Santa’s Workshop craft and sports stations set up for them. Gary Michael Redner, who created this event, began supporting just one chapter of Olivet. Now, there are nine chapters participating. The event was like a kid’s birthday party on steroids! Lending a hand from Redner’s were: Gary’s family; Alexis Foreman and her gang; Meredith McGrath, who photographed the entire event; Jack Larkin, Eric White, Dan Eberhardt and unsung helpers who manned the stations. Of course, Frankie Karaoke, UNFI, DJed playing some holiday favorites and fun dance music. Redner’s own Chef Tim oversaw the kid-friendly dinner, and at the end of the evening Santa Claus made a special appearance and presented each child with a gift. This festive evening would not have been possible with the support of Redner’s volunteers and donors. Proceeds from the 2023 holiday event allowed for the creation of a welcoming teen room at the PAL unit, equipping it with gaming chairs, a PlayStation 5, a 4-in-1 gaming center, and cozy furniture, along with other enhancements. Additionally, over $10,000 was raised to support Olivet’s daily operations, helping to provide a safe, inviting space for local youth. Can’t wait to see what this year brings! This further proves that our retailers are the most generous in their respective communities. Kudos!
Weis Markets closed out 2024 by donating $773,000 to 18 food banks and pantries as part of the company’s 17th annual Fight Hunger program. The donation includes customer contributions made at checkout in Weis stores throughout the year and a substantial corporate donation.
“Each year, we’re amazed by the incredible support our customers and associates show for our Fight Hunger campaign,” said Bob Gleeson, Weis Markets COO. “Helping local food banks and pantries is especially crucial during this season when the need for food rises. We deeply appreciate our Weis team and shoppers for coming together to make a difference.”
As part of the campaign, Weis Markets presented significant donations to several of its largest partner food banks within its seven-state market area. These contributions include $210,000 to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and $160,000 to the Maryland Food Bank.
Heaven gained another angel on December 9 as Frank Nardi, retired from Wakefern, passed away at 101 years old. Born in 1923 in the Bronx, NY, Frank attended Roosevelt High School in Yonkers, NY, before being drafted into the Army during World War II. Upon returning home, he married Margaret McMenaman and began raising their family. Frank built a distinguished career at Wakefern, where he held various leadership roles and took great pride in his work. He cherished the lifelong friendships he formed and the countless memories he created in the food industry. Frank had a knack for bringing his family into the fold; if you were related to him, chances are you worked at a ShopRite at some point in your life. In 1989, he retired and began a joyful chapter with his new wife, Lorraine O’Neill Nardi. With over 36 wonderful years together, they split their time between Green Pond, NJ, and Naples, FL. Together, they were blessed with a large family, bringing together Frank’s children: Matthew (predeceased), Margaret, Frank Jr. (predeceased), Thomas, and Susan; and Lorraine’s children: Colleen, Timothy, and Sean plus a total of 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
Frank was deeply committed to his community, especially through his work with the Arc of New Jersey. He played a pivotal role in closing institutions for the mentally disabled and advocating for the dignity and independence of group home living. His tireless efforts led him to testify before Congress, contributing to the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. Frank kept busy in his retirement, working as the president of the Green Pond Corporation, staying busy in the printing business and enjoying his family and friends. While Frank will be remembered for his achievements, he was most content sitting around the kitchen table with a good meal and his family and friends.
I count myself as one of Frank’s friends. I met him back in 1981, calling on Wakefern for the first time. Over the years, he became my Wakefern mentor, guiding me through the nooks and crannies of working with the groups, central billing so we could get paid (we were DSD back then), and long conversations about line extensions. When his sons, Frank Jr. and Thom moved to Philadelphia, I promised to keep an eye on them and then the Nardi’s became like family. After he retired, I enjoyed catching up with him on the phone or around his kitchen table. We were even friends on Facebook. I will be forever grateful for his friendship. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made on his behalf to the Arc of New Jersy at arcnj.org. Rest in peace, my dear friend.
Celebrating another trip around the sun this snowy month of January are: Linda Doherty, NJFC; Eve Gigis, Acme Markets; David Patragnoni, Silver Fern Farms; George Latella, Saint Joseph’s University; Loree Jones Brown, Philabundance; Tim Musgrove, Herr Foods and our
Best Met Alumni: Meg Major, Bob Ingram, Scott Lichterman and Karen Fernandez. Buon compleanno a tutti!
Quote of the month: “May all your troubles last as long as your New Year’s resolutions.” Joey Adams
