Belle Foods Completes Southern Family Markets Acquisition

Armed with a plan to restore a family-owned spirit and strong community ties, Birmingham, Ala.-based Belle Foods has completed its acquisition of 57 Southern Family Markets located in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Florida, many of which were once owned by Bruno’s.

Company officials said the focus on the stores “will be on the core grocery business, and to provide a feeling that family and community really do come first.”

Belle Foods’ president and CEO Bill White says he “sees great growth potential for the company and its employees," a sentiment that is echoed by a team of industry veterans White hand-picked from previous collaborations in different parts of the country to create a senior management team “that is well versed in vision as well as execution.”

C&S Wholesale Grocers will continue as Belle Foods main distributor.

Max Henderson Jr., president of Southern Family Markets said the completion of the transaction signifies “the long-term view that Bill White and his son Jeff are taking going forward, and their strong commitment toward community involvement. Their vision, combined with our associates’ knowledge, experience and dedication, should prove to be a great and winning combination.”

Added White: “Belle Foods is eager to begin serving the community and building great relationships with all of our current and future shoppers. We are not just looking for where sales will come from next week. We are looking at how we can build a company that will last in these communities for the next 60 years.