Retail cooperative Wakefern Food Corporation has completed the acquisition of Morton Williams Supermarkets, marking a significant move into New York’s competitive grocery market. The Keasbey, New Jersey-based cooperative announced an agreement in early August 2025 to acquire all 17 Morton Williams locations and officially closed the deal on October 2nd. Through this acquisition, Wakefern further expands its footprint and distribution reach in the New York metropolitan area, leveraging its cooperative scale and purchasing power.
Morton Williams traces its roots back to 1952 when brothers Joe and Irving Sloan launched their food retail enterprise in the Bronx. Over subsequent decades the business, later led by their sons and other family members, evolved into an upscale supermarket chain with 17 stores primarily in Manhattan, one in the Bronx and one in Jersey City. Known for premium fresh produce, gourmet cheeses and chef-prepared meals, Morton Williams developed a strong neighborhood-oriented brand identity.
Under the terms of the deal, Wakefern will retain the Morton Williams name and keep all existing stores in operation under a wholly owned subsidiary. Leadership from Morton Williams will remain on board, while Wakefern will add its private-label brands and cooperative resources to the retailer’s mix. The store operations will be overseen by Wakefern subsidiary PRRC, Inc., with industry executive Kevin McDonnell leading the transition. The acquisition reflects Wakefern’s deliberate strategy to strengthen its presence in urban markets and deepen its wholesale distribution network. With more than 360 stores in its cooperative network, the company uses scale and shared services to support competitive pricing and product variety.
For Morton Williams, the deal provides a pathway to maintain its local brand identity while accessing broader resources to compete against larger chains in the region. Consumers and employees can expect continuity in day-to-day operations. Wakefern has confirmed that all current Morton Williams employees will be retained and that the chain’s commitment to high-quality fresh foods and neighborhood service will remain unchanged.
Founded in 1946, Wakefern is the largest retailer-owned grocery cooperative in the United States, supplying and supporting member-owned supermarkets and operating across nine states.
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