Whole Foods Market is in the early stages of negotiations to buy or take over leases of six of the ten Johnnie’s Foodmaster locations in eastern Massachusetts, “possibly bringing an end to one of the last urban family grocery chains,”
the
Boston Globe
reported.
The chain was founded in East Cambridge, Mass., in 1947 by John DeJesus Sr. and is now run by his son, John A. DeJesus. DeJesus has not commented on whether he would continue operating his remaining four stores, the
Globe
article said. Citing a trade publication, the
Globe
said the company’s sales in 2011 were about $150 million.
Johnnie’s Foodmaster stores are known for their “low prices, friendly managers, loyal customers, and old-school décor — including carpeted aisles,” according to the
Globe
report. The article said the company has tried new formats in the face of increasing competition. (Source:
Boston Globe,
Aug. 29, 2012.)
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