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Wakefern finalizes acquisition of upscale NYC chain Morton Williams
Kimberly Redmond//October 2, 2025//
“That pioneering spirit that drove this cooperative in the beginning will drive us into the future. We are putting in place an exciting new strategy that will help our family-owned businesses grow and continue to serve their customers and communities," said Wakefern Food Corp. President Mike Stigers at the company's Oct. 17, 2024, shareholders meeting. - PROVIDED BY WAKEFERN
“That pioneering spirit that drove this cooperative in the beginning will drive us into the future. We are putting in place an exciting new strategy that will help our family-owned businesses grow and continue to serve their customers and communities," said Wakefern Food Corp. President Mike Stigers at the company's Oct. 17, 2024, shareholders meeting. - PROVIDED BY WAKEFERN
Wakefern finalizes acquisition of upscale NYC chain Morton Williams
Kimberly Redmond//October 2, 2025//
Listen to this articleThe basics:
- Wakefern finalized its acquisition of 17-store grocery chain Morton Williams
- All locations will keep operating under the banner
- Wakefern will retain all staff and leadership, including founding family members
- Deal strengthens Wakefern’s footprint in New York and Jersey City
Wakefern Food Corp. has completed its purchase of upscale New York City grocery chain Morton Williams.
The Keasbey-based supermarket giant announced the finalized deal announced Oct. 2. Moving forward, Wakefern said it will continue operating the family-owned banner’s 17 stores under the Morton Williams name. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Launched in 1952, Morton Williams sells fresh, high-quality produce; gourmet cheeses; premium meats and chef-prepared meats. All of the chain’s locations are in New York; except for its store at Newport in Jersey City.
Wakefern subsidiary PRRC Inc. subsidiary will run Morton Williams’ stores and website, according to the announcement. Additionally, Wakefern said it will retain associates across all locations. The leadership team will also include members of the founding family.
‘A winning combination’
PRRC Inc. President Kevin McDonnell said, “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.”
“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,” said the 40-year supermarket industry veteran.
Wakefern’s other banners include ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market. Its portfolio of hundreds of supermarkets covers New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island.
The move comes almost a year after Wakefern acquired Di Bruno Bros. The Philadelphia-based chain specializes in gourmet foods, cheeses and cured meats. Since then, Wakefern has focused on growing that label’s presence at major retailers, such as ShopRite, Acme and Stop & Shop.
Wakefern Chairman Sean McMenamin remarked, “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.”
Legacy move
Morton Williams’ third generation grocer Avi Kaner noted his chain’s deep connections to New York City neighborhoods. He said the banner is “proud to see that legacy continue under Wakefern’s leadership.”
“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,” Kaner said.
It’s reassuring to know the future of Morton Williams is in such capable and caring hands.
– Avi Kaner, Morton Williams’ third generation grocer
Wakefern President Mike Stigers shared, “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 that made them successful.
“As a cooperative made up of family-owned businesses, we also know how to honor that community spirit while delivering the technology and support needed to help grocers succeed in today’s highly competitive marketplace. That is why we are so excited that Morton Williams, a storied Manhattan grocer, is joining Wakefern’s family of brands.”
When a brand is so embedded in the community, it’s essential that we preserve that legacy.
– Mike Stigers, Wakefern president
Stigers went on to say Wakefern is eager to work with the chain’s “incredible, high performing team and learning from them as we bring the capabilities of our cooperative to the Morton Williams organization.”
“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,” he said.
