Family-Owned Casey's Foods Sold To Longtime Naperville Employee

NAPERVILLE, IL -- Casey's Foods has been family owned and operated since it got its start in Naperville in 1969. The beloved independent grocer will be under new ownership for the first time in decades after it was sold to employee Kris Visher, Dan Casey announced Tuesday.

Visher, who started her career at Casey's as an accountant, business manager, and human resources manager, will officially take over ownership of Casey's starting June 1. Dan Casey, whose father founded the grocery store, is stepping down from his ownership duties, but will stay on as executive officer.

In a press release, Dan Casey, who has worked at the family business since 1975, said choosing to sell Casey's was a big decision. He said, "[T]his isn’t just a career, it’s where I grew up. It’s my father’s and my family’s legacy."

He added, "It was important that we find the right ownership to take Casey’s into the future, and there is no one better than Kris to do it."

Visher said she plans to maintain the dedication to quality and customer service that has shaped Casey's since it was founded. She also plans to grow the company through "responsiveness to the changing tastes and lifestyles through innovation of ideas in products, and delivery of services."

Dan Casey's role as executive officer will have him in the store less often, but he plans to take a cue from his father and come back around often during retirement, "especially around lunchtime."