Newport Ave. Market Wins Unified's Ben Schwartz Award

Unified Grocers presented Newport Avenue Market with its annual Ben Schwartz Retail Grocery Visionary Award, at an awards dinner on Feb. 8 in Los Angeles.

Owners of Bend, Ore.-based Newport, Ruby and Debbie Dory and their daughter, Lauren Johnson, accepted the awarded on the grocer's behalf.

"[Members of the Dory family] are committed not only to their customers and their staff but also to the local community and that’s reflected in their many successes over the years,” said Bob Ling, president/CEO of Unified, during the presentation.

Added Ling, "Their passion to create a unique shopping experience is clearly evident as you walk through the store. Innovation, quality and a friendly, knowledgeable staff are central to the success of Newport Avenue Market and that’s why customers come from near and far.”

The Ben Schwartz award is given to an independent retail grocer or grocery company that displays leadership and innovation in the industry through initiative and creativity. Now in its 10th year, this is the first time the award was given to a single store.