Festival Foods

5mo

Supporting associate growth and development is core to how we live our values, and 2025 brought meaningful milestones. These efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to investing in people and supporting learning at every stage of a career.

Festival Foods

5mo

We’re grateful to be part of communities that care deeply about one another. In 2025, our associates, vendors, and community partners came together to support 2,218 organizations, volunteer 4,500+ hours, and contribute $448,000+ at our registers.

Festival Foods

5mo

Randy Munns, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, has announced that he will retire on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Munns’ retirement follows a 40-year career in the grocery industry, including 35 years with Festival Foods. “Randy has been instrumental in the growth and success of Festival Foods,” said Todd Schnuck, Chairman and CEO. “He has been a champion of our guests, associates and the communities we serve.” With Randy’s retirement, Adam Whitney steps into the role of Chief Merchant. Previously serving as Senior Vice President of Merchandising & Marketing, Adam will continue to oversee merchandising and marketing, including Center Store, while assuming leadership responsibility for Fresh Foods. “Adam is a strategic, people-focused leader whose impact has been significant,” Randy shared. “His promotion reflects his ability to lead, innovate and position Festival Foods for continued growth.”

Festival Foods

9mo

We’re thrilled to share that Jackie Johnson, our Senior Director of Merchandising Systems and Support, has been recognized as one of Progressive Grocer’s 2025 GenNext Award honorees! These awards celebrate leaders across the grocery industry — those who bring bold ideas to life and have the know-how and tenacity to make them happen. Jackie embodies exactly that spirit. Over her nearly two decades with Festival Foods, Jackie has continually demonstrated a passion for innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence. From her start in Guest Services at our Green Bay East store, through roles in Asset Protection and Profit Protection, to now leading transformative work in Merchandising Systems and Support, Jackie has built a career defined by curiosity, courage, and care for both guests and teammates. Jackie’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation exemplifies what it means to lead— challenging the status quo while empowering others to grow alongside her. Please join us in celebrating Jackie for this well-deserved honor and for her incredible contributions to Festival Foods and the grocery industry. Congratulations, Jackie — we’re so proud to have you on the team!

Festival Foods

9mo

We’re excited to share Jeff Brasel, Market Store Director at Festival Foods, has been recognized by the Wisconsin Grocers Association (WGA) with the Excellence in Operations Award! This award is a testament to Jeff’s unwavering dedication to the grocery industry and his exceptional leadership. The WGA’s Excellence in Operations Award honors individuals who demonstrate an outstanding work ethic, a deep commitment to their teams and communities, and a lasting positive impact on their company, associates, and customers. Jeff embodies all of this—and more. As Market Store Director, Jeff leads Festival Foods locations in Stevens Point, Marshfield, Wausau, and Weston. His leadership style blends vision, energy, and heart. Whether he’s creating clear career paths for future store directors or rolling up his sleeves to support his team on the floor, Jeff leads by example. His presence is felt in every store he touches, and his passion for supporting his team is second to none. Jeff’s ability to bring structure, results, and inspiration to his teams has made a lasting impression—not just within Festival Foods, but across the entire Wisconsin grocery community. His recognition by the WGA is a proud moment for all who have had the privilege of working alongside him. Please join us in congratulating Jeff Brasel on this well-deserved honor. We’re proud to have such a dedicated and inspiring leader guiding our teams and shaping the future of Festival Foods.

Festival Foods

9mo

Todd Schnuck, Chairman and CEO of 1939 Group, Inc., announced the official closing of the purchase of Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers. The completed transaction brings the new family of companies' store footprint to 164 stores. In Wisconsin, Festival Foods operates 42 stores and Hometown Grocers operates nine stores. Schnuck Markets operates 113 stores in Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana. Festival Foods, Hometown Grocers, and Schnucks will continue operating under their existing banners - guided by shared values, community engagement, and an unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional experiences for every guest. By joining forces, powered by strong legacies, the family-owned companies - Festival Foods, Hometown Grocers, and Schnucks - are poised to accelerate growth and set a new standard for what it means to be a regional grocer. Fueled by the strength of 1939 Group, the family of companies can look forward to continued investment and innovation amid a rapidly evolving retail landscape. As Chairman and CEO of Schnuck Markets and 1939 Group, Todd Schnuck assumes the role of Chairman and CEO at Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers - continuing the legacy of departing CEO Mark Skogen, whose servant leadership and deep commitment to treating every customer as a valued guest have long defined the company's culture.

Festival Foods

1y

Skogen’s Festival Foods will open two new stores in Wisconsin later this year. The Kimberly store, located at 800 E. Maes Ave., will open Sept. 20, followed by the Hudson store, which will open Nov. 8 at 1616 Crest View Drive. “It’s an honor to join the Hudson community and also to continue serving our Fox Valley guests with a new store in Kimberly,” said Mark Skogen, President and CEO of Festival Foods. “We’re looking forward to providing an enjoyable shopping experience, excellent product quality and exceptional value.” Each new store will offer guests a blend of familiar and new experiences, including an in-store Caribou Coffee kiosk with indoor café seating. The stores will also boast a fresh Food Court with a range of options such as Asian stir-fry, popcorn, sushi, hot cookies and more. The new stores will maintain Festival Foods’ traditional favorites such as a scratch bakery, extensive deli, premium meat and sustainable seafood options, a hot food bar, natural and organic products, wine and spirits, and a variety of convenient take-home meals. Catering services, Click N Go online shopping and store pickup will enhance the shopping experience for guests. Kimberly and Hudson will incorporate cutting-edge, energy-saving technology and host a brat stand for nonprofit fundraising activities. Festival Foods will host hiring events later this summer to fill positions at both stores.

Festival Foods

2y

Festival Foods proudly announces two of its senior directors – Jackie Johnson and Jessica Fontenot – have been named Champions of Change by the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) and Supermarket News. The award recognizes inspirational food industry professionals who are making a mark across their stores, companies and communities. Johnson and Fontenot, leaders in Festival Foods’ Fresh Foods Department, have been honored for their innovative contributions to the company. Johnson, Senior Director of Fresh Item Management, has transformed Festival Foods’ Deli and Bakery departments with the introduction of AI-based technology, helping these teams adapt to future challenges. Her strategic leadership has led to increased sales growth and reduced inventory loss. By empowering associates and guiding them toward efficiency, Johnson has streamlined operations and enhanced flexibility in labor scheduling. Fontenot, Senior Director of Bakery, has made significant strides in her role, fostering an environment of openness, innovation and collaboration. Her leadership has resulted in increases in bakery sales, gross profit and department distribution. Fontenot’s initiatives, such as launching a new cake commissary and partnering with local suppliers, have elevated the bakery experience for Festival Foods guests. Both Johnson and Fontenot embody the company’s values of servant leadership and commitment to associate development.

Festival Foods

2y

Festival Foods has announced the implementation of an enhanced scheduling process. Effective May 6, the company will provide associates with schedules two weeks in advance, offering greater predictability and flexibility. Currently, schedules are provided a week in advance. Acknowledging the crucial role flexibility and predictability play in enabling associates to thrive both professionally and personally, Sean Sanders, SVP of Store Operations at Festival Foods, emphasized the company's commitment to its associates stating, "By listening to associate feedback and implementing this new scheduling process, we remain dedicated to living our values through taking meaningful action to continue supporting their needs." With the extension of the scheduling window to two weeks, the company aims to provide associates the necessary tools to better plan their lives outside of work, while continuing to foster engagement and well-being. The updated scheduling process is yet another example of the company's comprehensive approach to prioritizing its associates. Earlier this year, Festival Foods introduced paid parental leave as part of its Total Rewards package. Last year, the company updated the associate discount from 10% to 15% and expanded offerings for hourly associates, including dental insurance and weekly pay. For more information about the Total Rewards offerings at Festival Foods, visit festfoods.com/careers/benefits.

Festival Foods

2y

Festival Foods proudly announces its recognition as 2023 Top Disability-Friendly Employer in Wisconsin™, a significant inaugural award honor presented by Disability:IN Wisconsin. This award underscores Festival Foods’ dedication to fostering disability inclusion and equity within its workplace. Judy Quigley, Executive Director of Disability:IN Wisconsin, explains, “The Top Disability-Friendly Employer in Wisconsin™ Award is a testament to companies genuinely committed to creating inclusive workplaces where people with disabilities can thrive.” Melissa Van Gheem, Senior Human Resources Director at Festival Foods, officially accepted the award on October 12, 2023, at the 2023 Disability:IN Wisconsin Summit. This in-person event, hosted by American Family Insurance in Madison, WI, gathered leaders and advocates for disability inclusion. Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Van Gheem highlighted Festival Foods’ impactful efforts in cultivating a workplace that encourages belonging for all associates. “This award truly acknowledges our dedication to serving associates with varying abilities. I’m proud that Festival Foods actively hires individuals with disabilities and supports their growth into fulfilling careers. Collectively, we promote the abilities of those we serve, transcending any focus on disabilities.”