St. Louis, MO (April 8, 2025) – Save A Lot, one of the largest discount grocery chains in the U.S., today announced the accomplishments of 11 of its Retail Partners, sharing the names of the owners and operators honored at the company’s annual Retail Partner Awards.
The awards were presented during the Company’s annual meeting and food show for store owners and operators, held in St. Charles, Mo. Awards were given to recognize performance in calendar year 2024 across five categories: year-over-year customer and sales growth, store managers of the year, “Hometown Hero”, Retail Partner of the Year, Loyalty Champions and Customer Service Winner. Retail Partners were divided into groups based on the number of stores owned (1 to 4, 5-10 and 11+ locations).
Award Winners: Sales and Customer Count Growth 2024
Given to stores with the highest year-over-year customer count and sales growth for the full year of 2024.
- 1-4 Store Owner: Hamden, CT, owned & operated by Edilio Flores
- 5-10 Store Owner: Delphi, IN owned & operated by Todd Hinson
- 11+ Store Owner: Denver, CO-Leetsdale, owned & operated by Leevers Supermarkets
Award Winners: Store Managers of the Year
Given to store managers with outstanding performance in 2024 across numerous factors, including sales, customer service, and teamwork.
- 1-4 Store Owner: Selena Salas, Lexington, TN owned & operated by Shannon McPherson
- 5-10 Store Owner: Jamie Holbeck, Flint, MI, owned & operated by the Al Kessel
- 11+ Store Owner: Scott Reynolds, Dowagiac, MI, owned & operated by Freeman Family Enterprises
Award Winner: Hometown Hero – Boris Brothers, Lake City, FL
As local owners and operators, Save A Lot Retail Partners often go above and beyond to demonstrate their commitment to and support of the communities they serve. The Hometown Hero award recognizes the Retail Partner who consistently demonstrates that a huge heart is a critical piece of the business.
The 2024 Hometown Hero award was given to the Boris Brothers because they exemplify the essence of community service. They show unwavering dedication to several local initiatives, including partnering with the local high school athletics department and supporting student athletes; sponsoring Hooked on Heroes, which supports terminally ill children; and they donate resources to the Lake City Battered Women’s Shelter, helping those affected by domestic violence. Brothers Mike and Mark Boris have consistently gone above and beyond to support those around them, demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to improving their community both inside and outside of their stores.
Award Winners: Loyalty Champions
This award is intended to celebrate those stores that go above and beyond to maximize customer engagement with the new Save A Lot app and loyalty program, producing the highest percent of identified transactions in 2024 within their respective category.
- 1-4 Store Owner: LeRoy, NY owned & operated by John Hedlund
- 5-10 Store Owner: Roselawn, IN owned & operated by Todd Hinson
- 11+ Store Owner: Grayling, MI owned & operated by Freeman Family Enterprises
Award Winners: Retail Partner of the Year
The Retail Partner of the Year award is given to Retail Partners who demonstrate outstanding results across the business on all metrics (sales, customer count, purchases) as well as demonstrate outstanding community involvement, team engagement and a commitment to the Save A Lot brand image.
1-4 Store Owner: Kim & Eric Walker, Walker Grocery Group, Florida
The Walker Grocery Group’s impressive sales and commitment to their customers help them stand out in the Florida and Wisconsin communities where they operate. In 2024, they increased their sales by more than 13 percent and customer count improved over 7 percent. They consistently have high standards for keeping their stores fresh, full, friendly and clean. Staying in touch with their customer base also sets them apart from the competition as they regularly are updating their assortment to meet the needs of their various communities.
5-10 Store Owner: Dwayne Goodwin, South Carolina
The secrets of Dwayne Goodwin’s success include a dedication to investing in communities, developing people, and getting the assortment right in each of his five South Carolina stores. Goodwin and his team ensure each store has the right products tailored specifically for those customers.
11+ Store Owner: Houchens Food Group, Kentucky
Led by Vice President of Retail Operations Danny Wilson, Houchens Food Group are committed to providing fresh, full, friendly and clean stores for the 89 communities where their Save A Lot stores operate. Their ongoing investment in their people and their fleet of stores continues to pay off with their customers. All of their stores have been completely remodeled, and their customers are loving the updated look and feel of their shopping experience.
“All of these Save A Lot Retail Partners set the bar high in providing best in class service to their communities,” said Fred Boehler, CEO of Save A Lot. “They have shown their commitment to not only their teams but the communities where their stores operate in delivering fresh, full, friendly and clean stores. We’re proud they’re part of the Save A Lot network.”
About Save A Lot
Founded in 1977, Save A Lot is the largest independently owned and operated discount grocery store chain in the U.S., with approximately 750 stores in 30 states. True to its mission of being a hometown grocer, Save A Lot provides unmatched quality and value to local families. Customers enjoy significant savings compared to traditional grocery stores on great tasting, high quality private label brands, national brand products, USDA-inspected meat, farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, and other non-food items. For more information visit www.SaveALot.com and follow Save A Lot on Facebook (facebook.com/savealot), Twitter (@savealot), and Instagram (@SaveALotFoodStores), or for more information on becoming a Save A Lot independent retail operator, visit ownasavealot.com