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The basics:

• Wakefern to acquire 17-store Morton Williams supermarket chain
• All Morton Williams locations will retain brand identity
• PRRC Inc. to operate stores; adding buying power and value
• Deal expands Wakefern’s footprint, wholesale distribution

Wakefern Food Corp. is acquiring upscale New York City grocery chain Morton Williams Supermarkets.

As part of the agreement announced Aug. 7, the Keasbey-based supermarket giant will continue operating the family-owned banner’s 17 stores under the Morton Williams name. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1952, Morton Williams sells fresh, high-quality produce; gourmet cheeses; premium meats and chef-prepared meats. All of the chain’s locations are in New York; except for its store at Newport in Jersey City.

Avi Kaner is part of the third generation to run Morton Williams. They said, “Like Wakefern, which was founded by neighborhood grocers, we are also a family business and proud of the company we’ve built over the decades. Supermarkets are an important part of the fabric of the neighborhoods they serve. Wakefern understands that. We know our company, its team members, and loyal customers are in good hands as it moves into the future under Wakefern’s leadership.”

A legacy move

According to Wakefern its PRRC Inc. subsidiary will run Morton Williams’ stores and website.

Member company PRRC operates Price Rite Marketplace locations. President Kevin McDonnell said, “I look forward to working with the team at Morton Williams to ensure we continue delivering the service and quality the brand is known for and at the same time offering greater value that comes from being part of a cooperative.”

“The buying power of the cooperative, which has more than 360 stores in nine states, and the legacy of Morton Williams service is a winning combination,” add the 40-year supermarket industry veteran.

Wakefern’s other banners include ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market.

Allegiance Retail Services, an Iselin-based retailer-owned grocery cooperative, also announced that Morton Williams Supermarkets will be leaving the coop based on the sale of their business to Wakefern.

Since becoming a member of Allegiance in 2022, Morton Williams “became a trusted and highly regarded member,” the coop said. In a statement, ARS COO and President Joseph Fantozzi said, “We want to thank the entire Morton Williams team for having partnered with Allegiance Retail Services these past three years, and Avi Kaner’s participation on the Board of Directors. His insights and suggestions were appreciated by all of our members.”

Growth mode

The move comes almost a year after Wakefern acquired Di Bruno Bros. The Philadelphia-based brand offers gourmet foods, cheeses and cured meats. Since then, Wakefern has focused on growing that label’s presence at major retailers, such as ShopRite, Acme and Stop & Shop.

Co-op President Mike Stigers shared, “We are very excited to welcome Morton Williams to our Wakefern family of supermarket banners. This acquisition is an incredible opportunity to continue the legacy of a storied New York City grocer while building on the business and adding even more product offerings, value and quality for shoppers. Wakefern is committed to honoring the traditions of Morton Williams by bringing high-quality fresh foods and groceries to residents of one of the greatest cities in the world.”

Wakefern Chairman Sean McMenamin added, “The acquisition is part of Wakefern’s aggressive growth strategy to expand both its market share and wholesale distribution reach. Wakefern’s leadership team and Board of Directors has a vision for our cooperative that is transformative. We are positioning Wakefern for sustainable, lasting growth that will impact future generations of our Membership.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 11:01 a.m. EST Aug. 8, 2025, to include information about Morton Williams’ membership status with Allegiance Retail Services.