Del. ShopRite Operator Names New Prez

Christopher L. Kenny, formerly COO of Delaware Supermarkets Inc. (DSI), has risen to the role of president and CEO of the company. Former president and DSI founder Bernard F. Kenny Jr. will remain chairman of the board. Christopher, his son, is also a member of the DSI board of directors.

Since founding Wilmington-based DSI in 1995, Bernard has expanded the business to include five ShopRite stores in the First State. “We started this business with just two stores in 1995,” noted Bernard. “Since that time, Chris has worked very closely with me and with DSI management to increase sales three times over, open an additional three stores in the great state of Delaware, and has developed the leadership skills necessary to fill this new role. I have every confidence in his ability to continue to lead our family business into an increasingly successful future.”

Referring to Bernard as “my mentor, teacher and father,” Christopher said: “He has created a legacy for our family, our stores and our community that I am so honored to be a part of,” adding that he would continue to rely on his father’s “guidance and support as we move toward this new phase of our family’s history.”

DSI is a member of Keasby, N.J.-based Wakefern Food Corp., the nation’s largest retailer-owned cooperative, whose 47 members own and operate their own supermarkets under the ShopRite banner in the Northeast. Three generations of the Kenny family are actively involved in their five stores’ day-to-day operations, living and working in the communities they serve.