KEASBEY, N.J. — Wakefern Food Corp. has completed its acquisition of Morton Williams, the family-owned neighborhood grocer with 17 stores in Manhattan, the Bronx and Jersey City.
The deal, first announced in August, brings the upscale Manhattan banner under the umbrella of the nation’s largest retailer-owned supermarket cooperative while preserving Morton Williams’ identity and long-standing neighborhood roots. A wholly owned subsidiary of Wakefern will operate the stores, which will continue to feature prepared meals, fresh produce, bakery items, and premium grocery products.
“When a brand is so embedded in the community, it’s essential that we preserve that legacy. Wakefern brings the scale and support to help independent operators compete and grow while retaining their local roots,” said Wakefern president Mike Stigers. “That is why we are so excited that Morton Williams, a storied Manhattan grocer, is joining Wakefern’s family of brands.”
All store team members will remain in place, as will Morton Williams’ leadership, including members of the Sloan family, which has guided the business since its founding in 1952. Avi Kaner, speaking on behalf of the Sloan and Kaner families, said the agreement ensures the continuity of Morton Williams’ identity.
“There is an incredible, high performing team across Morton Williams stores and we look forward to working with them and learning from them as we bring the capabilities of our cooperative to the Morton Williams organization,” added Stigers. “We look forward to building on this great brand as we continue to bring high-quality, fresh foods and groceries to residents of one of the greatest cities in the world.”
“Wakefern is looking to the future with a long-term plan for sustainable growth for the next generations of our Membership. That means growing both within our cooperative – with our existing Wakefern members and banners – as well as making new acquisitions and expanding our wholesale distribution network. The acquisition of Morton Williams is part of our vision for the future, and we are thrilled to welcome Morton Williams to our Wakefern family,” added Wakefern Chairman Sean McMenamin.
“Morton Williams has always been deeply connected to the neighborhoods we serve, and we’re proud to see that legacy continue under Wakefern’s leadership,” said Avi Kaner, speaking on behalf of the Sloan and Kaner family. “We’re confident that our team members and loyal customers will thrive as part of the Wakefern family. It’s reassuring to know the future of Morton Williams is in such capable and caring hands.”
The cooperative tapped Kevin McDonnell, a 40-year veteran of the supermarket industry and president of Wakefern subsidiary PRRC, Inc. (operator of Price Rite Marketplace), to lead the Morton Williams business.
“I look forward to working with the team at Morton Williams to continue delivering the service, quality and great fresh foods the brand is known for while bringing all the advantages and support of our cooperative to the table,” noted McDonnell. “The buying power of the Wakefern cooperative, which has more than 360 stores in nine states, and the legacy of Morton Williams service is a winning combination.”
Morton Williams offers online shopping and operates 15 stores in Manhattan, a store in the Bronx and another in Jersey City at the following locations:
- 130 Bleecker Street
- 278 Park Avenue South (22nd Street)
- 311 East 23rd Street (2nd Avenue)
- 908 Second Avenue (48th Street)
- 1031 First Avenue (56th Street)
- 140 West 57th Street (between 6th & 7th Avenues)
- 917 Ninth Avenue (59th Street)
- 15 West End Avenue (Corner of 60th Street)
- 1066 Third Avenue
- 2015 Broadway (68th Street)
- 1331 First Avenue (71st Street)
- 1251 Third Avenue (Corner 72nd Street)
- 1565 First Avenue (81st Street)
- 1211 Madison Avenue (87th Street)
- 2941 Broadway (115th Street)
- The Bronx: 15 East Kingsbridge Road (Jerome Avenue)
- New Jersey: 105 River Drive – Jersey City
