A new store design, a dazzling foodservice program and outstanding customer service earns the Massachusetts chain the convenience store industry’s most prestigious honor.
Few companies can match the rich tradition and deep roots Tedeschi Food Shops has planted in the convenience store industry. In business since 1923, the company’s nine decades of service in the New England market is a distinguishing feature the company wears with pride beginning with third-generation President and CEO Peter Tedeschi.
What makes the Rockland, Mass. chain truly special is that despite cementing its presence as a retail leader from generation to generation, it continues to evolve to meet and exceed customers’ expectations. Over the past year, Tedeschi’s has transformed its retail image with a new store design, a thriving proprietary foodservice program and a growing private label food and beverage brand. Combined with a company-owned foodservice commissary and vibrant community outreach programs, Tedeschi’s boasts the exceptional leadership and unsurpassed customer service to which all others aspire. In recognition of its hard work, dedication to convenience retailing and its firm commitment to employees and the communities it serves, Convenience Store Decisions is proud to name Tedeschi Food Shops as its 2012 Convenience Store Chain of the Year.
Tedeschi’s, which supplants Thortons Inc. as Chain of the Year, is the 23rd winner of this prestigious award, considered the gold standard in convenience retailing.
“At a time when many industry marketers are struggling with excessive fees, threats against top-selling categories and extraordinary competition, Tedeschi’s has not only persevered, but pushed forward with an exquisite new store design, a company-owned commissary and the continued development of its proprietary brands,” said John Lofstock, Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Director of The Convenience Store Decisions Group. “This keen focus on expanding the convenience store business not only ensures the company will have remarkable stability for years to come, but a solid foundation for growing the business to new heights.”
Peter Tedeschi, who took the reigns as president and CEO from the family-owned business in 2008, said the company takes great pride in its past, but remains focused on the future, and delivering a great retail environment for employees, franchisees and customers.
“To be considered for this award is very gratifying, but winning this award is nothing short of humbling. We have the utmost respect for our industry peers, and we are honored to have earned an award that has been previously presented to companies that exemplify a commitment to excellence,” Tedeschi said. “My fellow employees, management team and franchisees do whatever is necessary to make us a better company each and every day; and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to accept this award on their behalf.”
Peter’s leadership extends beyond Tedeschi’s. As a member of NACS executive board and vice chairman of the NACS Political Action Committee (NACSPAC), Tedeschi spearheads the c-store industry’s support for political candidates that respond to the ever increasing legislative issues that adversely affect the industry, its customers and employees.
“I believe that the greatest threat to the future of our industry comes not from our competitors, but from the very legislators that we’ve elected to represent us,” Tedeschi said.
“As the chain moves closer to its 90th anniversary, it has flourished and re-energized under the leadership of Peter Tedeschi, Joe Hamza and its experienced executive team,” said Tom McIntyre, Group Publisher for The Convenience Store Decisions Group. “Peter has done a masterful job of leading by example and rallying the Tedeschi’s team to buy into his retail vision. In four short years, he has promoted a transformative process that has enabled the company to evolve into a retail powerhouse.”
Tied to its Roots
Tedeschi firmly believes in the company motto, “Proud of our past, focused on our future.” Angelo Tedeschi emigrated to the U.S. from Italy before opening his first meat market. Today, with dozens of franchisee-operated units, the company is providing a stable business opportunity for a generation of new Americans under the leadership of Angelo’s grandson, Peter Tedeschi. At the same time, Tedeschi maintains, it is critical to connect with the younger generation to ensure the brand remains fresh and relevant.
With only 15 of its nearly 200 locations selling petroleum, Tedeschi’s business model requires a greater emphasis on maximizing in-store sales. This includes the exceptional foodservice offering at Tedeschi’s, which has its roots in the company’s legendary meat and grocery reputation dating back to its’ humble beginnings in 1923. The 24 award-winning delis and 26 co-branded locations are supplemented by fresh and healthy offerings including salads, parfaits and best-in-class sandwich offerings that are produced and distributed directly from the Tedeschi Fresh Food Commissary.
“We are honored by CSD’s recognition of our contributions and progress. This award serves to validate our efforts, while challenging us to continue our journey in pursuit of excellence with conviction,” said Joe Hamza, Tedeschi’s vice president of sales and marketing. “We’re transforming our stores with relevant products and welcoming designs to better serve our current customers and attract new ones. Throughout this transformation we will remain bonded to the same values that have made us successful for nearly a century—great product, great service and great people.”
Tedeschi Food Shops will be honored during an awards ceremony at the exclusive Lakeside Grill at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas on Oct. 8. Seating is limited for invitation-only affair. For ticket information, contact Tom McIntyre at [email protected] or John Lofstock at [email protected].