Unified Grocers Honors Newport Avenue Market

Newport Avenue Market owners Rudy and Debbie Dory and their daughter, Lauren Johnson, have received the 2015 Ben Schwartz Retail Grocery Visionary Award from Unified Grocers. The annual award, which has been given to independent retailers for a decade, is named for a former United Grocers chairman of the board and honors independent grocers who are leaders and innovators that consistently demonstrate initiative, creativity and passion in the grocery industry. Winners must be current or previous members of Unified Grocers or one of its predecessor companies.

"It's an honor to receive this prestigious award, and I'm proud that Newport Avenue Market is the first single-store recipient," said Rudy Dory.

Bob Ling, president and CEO of Unified Grocers, presented the award to Newport Avenue Market, in Bend, Ore., during a recent awards dinner, noting that the store's success was due to the Dory family. "Their passion to create a unique shopping experience is clearly evident as you walk through the store," Ling said. "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 Dorys received an award for display in Newport Avenue Market, and a duplicate also will be on display in Unified’s headquarters in Commerce, Calif.