Allegiance Retail Services, an Iselin, N.J.-based retailer-owned grocery co-op, has added three Brigido’s Fresh Markets to its roster of independently owned supermarkets. The stores were acquired by independent grocers Mike and Melissa Fernandez, who were already members of the Allegiance co-op and operating stores under the Foodtown banner, according to a news release.
The Brigido’s Fresh Markets are located in North Scituate, Slatersville and Pascoag, R.I. Originally established by Augusto Brigido in 1943, the supermarkets were part of the Brigido family for over 80 years.
“This was an ideal opportunity for our family,” said Mike Fernandez on the purchase of the three supermarkets. “We wanted to expand our footprint and as a family hoped to move further up the East Coast. When Brigido’s markets became available, it was a perfect match for both families. The Brigidos were looking to sell the markets to someone who would run them as a family-run fresh market, and we only operate family-owned stores.”
The Fernandez family owns and operates three other stores and have been in the supermarket business for over 30 years, the release said.
“It’s a very tough business today, but my wife and I love the customers, learning about them and hearing their stories,” Fernandez continued. “You have to love what you do in order to find success, and we love going to work every day and serving our customers.”
The Fernandez family says they look forward to becoming part of the fabric of the communities they serve and supporting local efforts.
The new owners plan to offer a more diversified product line and more robust promotional program at each of the recently updated supermarkets, the release said. In addition to traditional grocery items, the family says it will add new lines of organic and natural foods, expanded dairy and prepared foods sections and an island of imported meats and cheeses.
Other notable additions will include the implementation of a loyalty rewards program, home delivery services and curbside pickup, the release said.
“The changes we made have positioned us to be more competitive with other grocers in the area while maintaining a fresh product line in all departments, especially in our perishable department,” Fernandez said.
The supermarkets will be sourced through Allegiance Retail Services, of which Mike Fernandez is a premier member.
The three Brigido’s Fresh Markets include a 20,000-square-foot store at 25 Village Plaza Way, North Scituate, R.I.; a 14,000-square-foot store at 900 Victory Highway, Slatersville, R.I.; and a 7,000-square-foot store at 5 Sayles Ave., Pascoag, R.I.
Allegiance Retail Services’ roster of independent supermarket banners includes Foodtown, Freshtown, D’Agostino, Gristedes, Pathmark, LaBella Marketplace, Brooklyn Harvest, Market Fresh, Morton Williams, Big Deal Food Market, Green Way Markets and Shop n Bag.
