Wakefern Food Corp has announced it will purchase Morton Williams supermarkets, an acquisition that will combine two family-owned grocery businesses with deep roots in the Northeast.
According to a press release, the New Jersey-based Wakefern will retain the Morton Williams name, and a wholly owned subsidiary will operate the 17 stores included in the deal. Fifteen stores are in Manhattan, one in the Bronx, and one in Jersey City.
“We are very excited to welcome Morton Williams to our Wakefern family of supermarket banners,” said Wakefern President Mike Stigers in the release. “This acquisition is an incredible opportunity to continue the legacy of a storied New York City grocer while building on the business and adding even more product offerings, value and quality for shoppers.”
The acquisition represents a significant expansion for Wakefern, which currently operates more than 360 stores across nine states under various banners, including ShopRite and Price Rite Marketplace. All of the Staten Island ShopRite stores — including the newest location slated to open in Great Kills this fall — are operated under the Wakefern umbrella.
Morton Williams, founded in 1952 by brothers Joe and Irving Sloan, has been a fixture in New York City for over 70 years. The company underwent a major transformation in the 1970s when Joe’s sons, Morton and William, reimagined their Manhattan locations to include kitchens, chefs, and a focus on prepared foods.
Avi Kaner, speaking for the current third-generation Morton Williams leadership, expressed confidence in the transition: “Like Wakefern, which was founded by neighborhood grocers, we are also a family business and proud of the company we’ve built over the decades. We know our company, its team members, and loyal customers are in good hands.”
Kevin McDonnell, president of Wakefern’s Price Rite Marketplace division, will lead the Morton Williams operation. McDonnell brings 40 years of supermarket industry experience, including extensive knowledge of the New York City market.
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