CHANDLER, AZ - Bashas’ Family of Stores, a banner of The Raley’s Companies, is bolstering its talented leadership team at its AJ’s Fine Foods brand. Recently, the retailer named Jayson Mead as Vice President and Gabe Flores as Director of Produce.

With nearly three decades of service under his belt, Mead has been with the grocer for 28 years. He first started as a courtesy clerk in 1993 at the Bashas’ supermarket in Lake Havasu. Since then, he has held more than 10 different positions within the store and management team, from Cashier to Produce Clerk, Produce Manager, Store Director, Assistant Director of Operations, Director of Operations at AJ’s Fine Foods, and more. Most recently, Mead oversaw Deli, Bakery, Produce, and Meat for all formats.

As Vice President of AJ’s Fine Foods, Mead will be responsible for leading long-range strategy, brand positioning, and performance for the brand. He will guide the AJ’s team to deliver a superior shopping experience and culinary adventure for guests as the AJ’s format prepares for future expansion.

Joining Mead is Flores, who brings 36 years of in-house knowledge to his new role.

When Flores first joined the Bashas’ team in 1986, he gained well-rounded exposure to the business as a Clerk in numerous departments, ultimately settling into a role as Produce Clerk. By 1990, he had earned his first promotion into management and served as Produce Manager for Bashas’ before becoming Produce and Floral Manager at AJ’s Fine Foods. Since then, he has held numerous roles in management and earned awards for his dedication to AJ’s, including Produce Manager of the Year in 1994 and 1999 and Store Director of the Year in 2004 and 2007.

According to the release, each of these shifts plays a key role in plans for future growth and reaffirms the overall commitment of The Raley’s Companies to maintain and support the integrity and uniqueness of each store brand.

“[Jayson and Gabe] have each demonstrated decades of tenacity, growth, and commitment to their respective roles within Bashas’,” said Edward “Trey” Basha, President of Bashas’. “Recognizing these talented leaders for their exceptional work ethic and loyalty reinforces the value we place on nurturing growth opportunities for ambitious team members.”

Congratulations to these dedicated leaders on the start of their next chapters!

Bashas’ Family of Stores