Brooklyn Grocer Frank Widdi Wins 2024 Exceptional Independents Award

Allegiance Retail Services, a dynamic member-owned supermarket co-op, proudly announces that Mahmoud “Frank” Widdi has been named a winner of the 2024 Exceptional Independents Award. Established by Shelby Publishing, a leading publication for the food and grocery industry, the award honors the role and importance of independent grocers in their communities.

As stated by Joseph Fantozzi, President and COO of ARS, “Frank Widdi has been a member of the ARS family since 2016 and his name is synonymous with excellence in the realm of independent grocery store operations. His contributions, alongside his family, have been nothing short of exceptional, as evidenced by their profound impact on the local communities they serve.” He continued, “Frank’s leadership has not only transformed a business but has also positively impacted the lives of those in the community, making him truly deserving of this recognition.”

Widdi and his family currently own three Foodtown banner supermarkets in Brooklyn, New York.

Greg Ferrara, President and CEO of the National Grocers Association said, “Recognizing those independent grocers that are truly exceptional designates them as best in class to their peers in the industry and raises awareness among consumers about what it really means to be an independent grocer, not just selling groceries but being a real community resource.”

“Independent grocers are a backbone of the industry, and this is an opportunity to recognize them for their contributions,” stated Stephanie Reid, President of Shelby Publishing.

Foodtown supermarkets are Locally Owned and Family Operated grocery stores that offer high quality products at affordable prices, delivering on the banner’s promise that Quality Meals Begin Here.

Nominations for the 2nd annual awards program began in September of 2023.

About Allegiance Retail Services LLC

Allegiance Retail Services, LLC supports independent supermarkets (e.g., Foodtown, Freshtown, D’Agostino, Gristedes, Morton Williams, Pathmark, LaBella Marketplace, Brooklyn Harvest, Market Fresh, Big Deal Food Market, Green Way Markets, Brigidos Fresh Market, Olive Tree Marketplace, Bloomingdale Supermarket by Foodtown, and Shop n Bag), for retail success by providing them with marketing, advertising, technological and merchandising support, as well as a full line of private label products, including Foodtown, Green Way and Rancher’s Legend. For more information, please visit www.allegianceretailservices.com