Bernard “Bernie” Kenny’s success story started in a supermarket, where he got a job stocking shelves. By 1994, he was senior vice president for operations at Supermarket General Corp., overseeing more than 200 Pathmark supermarkets.
But when he retired that year, he was hardly ready for the golf course. Instead he purchased ShopRite stores in Talleyville and Stanton, then owned by supermarket co-op Wakefern Food Corp. He also agreed to manage Wakefern’s Newark ShopRite.
Nearly 20 years later, the Kenny Family ShopRites of Delaware owns six ShopRite stores, including the Newark store in Chestnut Hill Plaza, and the newest store in Glasgow. The company employs more than 1,500 associates. In 2012, Kenny’s son, Christopher, became president and CEO. Kenny, however, remains actively involved as chairman of the board, and he’s often in the stores seven days a week.
Apparently, you can’t get this industry out of the Kenny family’s blood. Kenny’s brother, Richard, handles government relations for the company, and Melissa Kenny is also part of the company in a succession planning role.
While ShopRite gains customers by offering fresh product and a staggering variety, it also is know for its efforts to improve the community. The Kenny Family Foundation was founded in 2008 to promote social welfare, provide assistance to those in need and contribute to humanitarian endeavors within Delaware.
Earning and maintaining the trust of the community is important to the Kenny family.
“Partnering with the Better Business Bureau and receiving its prestigious accreditation not only cements our place in the Delaware marketplace, but it also provides our loyal customers with an additional level of trust in our products and our services,” says Christopher Kenny.
