Personnel Updates

• The Food Industry Association (28) has named Randy Edeker as the new Chairman.

• Houchens Industries Inc. (54) announced Jimmie Gipson, the retailers longtime CEO and Chairman, will retire on March 31.

• SpartanNash Company (138) announced David W. Sisk will join as President of the MDV military division, succeeding Kathleen Mahoney, who will retain her Exec VP and Chief Legal Officer roles.

Financial Focus

• Lucky’s Market, LLC revealed that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and signed an asset purchase agreement with Aldi for five leased store properties and the purchase of one owned property.

Mergers and Acquisitions

• Coen Oil Company is selling off nine of its Pittsburgh-area convenience stores. They are all more than 2,000 sq. ft. and are being sold without c-store branding.

• Couche-Tard Inc. has acquired 17 franchised The Gas Stop stations operating under the Holiday brand from I-90 Fuel Services Inc.

• Lucky’s Market, LLC has entered into an asset purchase agreement with a group led by company founders Bo and Trish Sharon for the seven locations that will continue to operate under the banner.

• Stewart’s Shops Corp. has acquired five gas stations from Polsinello Fuels Inc. and has purchased the company’s gasoline and diesel fuel distribution business.

Industry Insight

• Publix Super Markets Inc. and Halifax Health are partnering on the construction of a full-service pharmacy at the medical center in Daytona Beach, FL.

Real Estate

• Hy-Vee Inc. is acquiring six former Shopko locations in Iowa that will re-open under the Dollar Fresh brand by late summer.

• Whole Foods Market Inc. has opened a 47,000 sq. ft. store in Richmond, VA and a 41,000 sq. ft. store in Delray Beach, FL.

Technology News

• Pilot Co. released its newest version of the Pilot Co. mobile app which is now available in Spanish.

• Shell Oil Co. will now accept payment for fuel and services through Uconnect Market, an in-car commerce program from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Customers can use the service to locate and navigate to nearby Shell stations, then securely authorize a fueling charge through the in-vehicle payment system before fueling their vehicle.