SpartanNash Acquires Fresh Encounter Inc. in Strategic Expansion Move

Distributor and retailer SpartanNash is strengthening its retail presence with the strategic acquisition of Fresh Encounter Inc., a supermarket chain operating 49 stores across Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. This move aligns with the company’s broader growth ambitions and expands its market reach in key states.

SpartanNash Acquires Fresh Encounter Inc. as part of a continued effort to enhance its retail operations. Fresh Encounter, a long-time customer of SpartanNash for food distribution, has been owned by third-generation grocers Michael Needler Jr. and Julie Anderson. The acquisition ensures the continued employment of Fresh Encounter’s 2,500 employees, further boosting SpartanNash’s workforce.

“This acquisition is an exciting milestone in our company’s strategic growth plans,” said SpartanNash CEO Tony Sarsam in a press release. “Not only will we welcome 2,500 new Associates to the SpartanNash family, but we will also begin serving shoppers in Kentucky and grow our existing footprint across Ohio and Indiana.”

The acquisition marks a 33% expansion of SpartanNash’s retail footprint and represents the company’s second major retail acquisition in 2024. Earlier this year, SpartanNash acquired the three-store chain Metcalfe’s Market in April, further enhancing its market position.

Fresh Encounter operates under several well-known retail banners, including Community Markets, Remke Markets, Chief Markets, and Needler’s Fresh Market. The transaction is expected to close in late November, pending closing conditions, with financial advisory support provided by Solomon Partners.

SpartanNash’s business operates in two complementary segments: food wholesale and grocery retail. On the retail side, the company manages 147 brick-and-mortar grocery stores under brands such as Family Fare, Martin’s Super Markets, and D&W Fresh Market, along with several pharmacies and fuel centers.