Wakefern Food Corp. Finalizes Purchase of Morton Williams Supermarkets

New Jersey-based retailer-owned grocery cooperative closes deal to acquire Morton Williams store locations in New York City Metro Area

KEASBEY, NJ (Oct. 2, 2025) – Wakefern Food Corp. today announced the successful acquisition of Morton Williams, a family-owned neighborhood grocer with 17 stores in Manhattan, the Bronx and Jersey City. The move will preserve Morton Williams’ rich legacy and deep-rooted community connections while leveraging the resources of the largest retailer-owned supermarket cooperative in the U.S. Wakefern announced the purchase agreement in August.

“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,” said Wakefern President Mike Stigers.

Customers will find the same neighborhood feel, elevated shopping experience and fresh prepared foods at their local Morton Williams store, and Wakefern will retain all the team members across stores. Leadership from Morton Williams, including members of the Sloan family who established the Morton Williams brand in the 1970s, will also remain.

“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.”

A wholly owned subsidiary of Wakefern will operate the 17 stores in the tradition New Yorkers have come to expect, with special emphasis on fresh prepared meals, baked goods, produce and popular private label products from both Morton Williams and Wakefern.

“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.

Like Wakefern, Morton Williams has deep family roots. The family’s food business began in 1952, founded by brothers Joe and Irving Sloan. Joe’s sons, Morton and William, later expanded into supermarkets across New York City. In recent years, Morton Williams was guided by the third generation – Avi Kaner, Morton Sloan’s son-in-law; David Sloan, Morton’s son; and Steven Sloan, the son of William Sloan.

“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.”

Kevin McDonnell, currently president of Wakefern’s wholly owned subsidiary PRRC, Inc., which operates stores under the Price Rite Marketplace banner, will serve as the Wakefern executive leading Morton Williams. McDonnell is a 40-year supermarket industry veteran with broad experience in store operations, merchandising, marketing and management as well as extensive experience in operating stores in the New York City area.

“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

About Wakefern Food Corp.
From a small, local cooperative that began with eight grocery store owners, Wakefern Food Corp. has grown into the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States. Founded in 1946, the cooperative comprises member families that today independently own and operate hundreds of supermarkets under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market, Di Bruno Bros., and Morton Williams banners in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. For more information, please visit www.wakefern.com.

About Morton Williams
Morton Williams is a family-owned and operated supermarket chain that has served New York City since 1952. With 17 locations across the metropolitan area – many of them open 24/7 – Morton Williams is known for its upscale offerings, personalized service, and deep roots in the neighborhoods it serves. The stores feature fresh, high-quality produce, gourmet cheeses, premium meats, and chef-prepared meals. Morton Williams also provides full-service catering, as well as convenient online shopping and delivery, bringing a curated grocery experience to generations of New Yorkers.