Martin’s Super Markets CEO to talk about sale; shoppers nervous

ST JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The CEO of family-owned Michiana supermarket staple, Martin’s will be talking Wednesday morning about the announced sale.

Tuesday, Grand Rapids-based grocery distributor SpartanNash announced an agreement to acquire the independent supermarket chain.

“I feel disappointed,” Martin’s shopper Jeannie Calhoun said referencing the family-owned and operated chain. She says she does most of her shopping at Martin’s.

“Whoever has bought them out, should keep the same quality and good food, good employees,” Calhoun said.

Martin’s was founded in 1947, and now Michiana is home to 21 locations which employs almost four thousand workers.

Martin's has done business with SpartanNash since 2005. The grocery distributor believes the transaction will create growth and value for the company. Part of their statement says:

“We have the greatest respect for the Martin's management team and its commitment to their associates, customers, and the communities they serve. We look forward to working with members of the team to continue to deliver the quality shopping experience and high level of customer service to Martin's customers.”

Martin’s president, grandson of its founders, Rob Bartels says the chain was looking for a partner it could trust with the family’s legacy. The statement partly reads:

"We found that partner in SpartanNash… we share similar values, a passion for the business, and cultures based on excellent customer service, stewardship of our brands, and commitment to our communities and teams.”

As of now, it’s uncertain if jobs, locations or services will change following the transaction; but, shoppers sure hope that will not be the case.

“Please keep Martin’s tradition, the quality of food, and keep the employees,” Calhoun said.

The transaction looks to close early in the first quarter of the fiscal year, which ends at the end of December.

Bartels will speak at Wednesday morning's press conference at 10 a.m. We will stream it live here on ABC57.com.