KEASBEY, NJ - Wakefern Food Corp.’s network just got a little bit bigger. Recently, the company announced that Pennsylvania-based retailer Gerrity’s Supermarkets, owned by the Fasula family, has joined the cooperative as its 48^th member.

“The Fasulas are a strong addition to our cooperative and another family-owned business that provides an exceptional experience and quality fresh foods for its customers and a great place to work for its associates,” said Joseph Colalillo, Wakefern’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Membership in our cooperative allows independent operators like the Fasulas to maintain their entrepreneurial spirit while benefiting from the scale and services Wakefern offers. We look forward to welcoming the Fasula family to Wakefern.”

Currently, the Fasula family operates retail locations in Pennsylvania under the Gerrity’s Supermarkets banner, but upon its conversion, the stores will be rebranded as Gerrity’s The Fresh Grocer, a Wakefern trademark. According to a release, there are 11 Fresh Grocer stores in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, each one independently owned by Wakefern cooperative members.

Gerrity’s began in 1895 as a small meat market and has since expanded to 10 supermarkets in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. They are operated by Co-Owners Joyce “Mom” Fasula and her son Joe.

“Our family is excited to join the Wakefern cooperative, which is committed to helping family-owned businesses like ours gain a competitive edge in a rapidly changing and challenging industry,” said Joe Fasula. “Wakefern will help us save our customers money and provide an enhanced assortment of products to our customers, including high-quality, on-trend private label foods, and increased buying power of a cooperative.”

How will adding Gerrity’s Supermarkets to its cooperative drive Wakerfern’s East Coast growth? Keep a tab open to AndNowUKnow for answers.

Wakefern Food Corp.