Personnel Updates:
The Fresh Market announced the promotion of Sean Crane to Exec VP and Chief Operating Officer. Crane will continue to report directly to Craig Carlock, President and CEO.
Gate Petroleum announced that Herb Peyton has retired as President, and is succeeded by his son, John Peyton. He will become chairman. The company has also named T. Mitchell Rhodes as COO.
Price Chopper Supermarkets/Golub Corporationannounced that Robert Reagan has been promoted to Director of Merchandising Services reporting directly to Angelo Cannistraci, Group VP Center Store, Pharmacy and Senior Merchandising Coordinator.
Hy-Vee announced that Gary Goodhall has been promoted to VP Business Development at Hy-Vee, Inc.
Topco Associates said Friday Steven K. Lauer, President and CEO, is retiring after 19 years.  Randall J. “Randy” Skoda, Exec VP, will serve as Topco’s interim president and CEO.
Village Super Market announced that John L. Van Orden has been appointed to serve as the Controller and Principal Accounting Officer, the company said in a government filing.
Weis Markets announced Joseph S. Douglas has joined the company as VP of Pharmacy. Douglaspreviously worked was VP Transforming Community Practice, at Walgreen.
Financial Focus:
Mergers and Acquisitions:
Fikes Wholesale, parent company of the CEFCO Convenience Stores chain, has acquired the retail interests of 63 Taylor Food Mart Stores from Taylor Petroleum. The stores – many of which were reportedly experiencing supply disruptions and financial issues – are located in West TX, OK and NM.

Safeway Inc. reached a definitive agreement to sell 16 of its Genuardi’s stores in the greater Philadelphia area to Giant Food Stores, LLC, a division of Ahold USA. In addition, Safeway plans to close three Genuardi’s stores and sell the remaining eight Genuardi’s stores, which it will continue to operate while it is working with potential buyers.
Tesoro said that as the result of a strategic analysis, it plans to sell its Hawaii operations, including the Kapolei refinery, operations at 32 gas stations and all associated logistical assets. Tesoro Hawaiisaid that it anticipates completing the sale no sooner than the second half of 2012, subject to regulatory and other approvals.

Industry Insight:
Stepherson’s Superlo Foods is leasing one of the former Schnucks locations that closed when the St. Louis-based company vacated the market earlier this year, according to local reports.
Real Estate:
Beverages & More, Inc. is seeking growth opportunities throughout its existing markets of AZ, CA and WA during the coming 18 months.  Typical leases run 10 years with three, five-year options.  A vanilla shell and specific improvements are required.  Preferred demographics include a population of 125,000 to 150,000 within a 10-minute drive-time earning more than $75,000 as the average household income.
Fiesta Mart, Inc. is seeking opportunities throughout TX during the coming 18 months, with representation by United Equities.  Typical leases run 10 years. 
Kum & Go LC will build 20 to 25 stores in the Colorado Springs, COregion within the next 5 years. The first store in the region is expected to open this year.