Key Food

During the 1970s and '80s, Key Food was connected to a trucking firm that committed $10 million worth of tax fraud.{{Cite web |date=July 14, 1989 |title=Trucking Executive Indicted In a Scheme to Evade Taxes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/07/14/nyregion/trucking-executive-indicted-in-a-scheme-to-evade-taxes.html |website=The New York Times |via=}}{{Cite web |last=Kaplan |first=Morris |date=January 11, 1972 |title=TRUCKER CHARGED WITH TAX FRAUD |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1972/01/11/archives/trucker-charged-with-tax-fraud-us-says-executive-used-phantom.html |website=The New York Times |via=}}{{Cite web |title=Disgraced Accountant Connected to 'Millionaire Madam' Anna Gristina |url=https://www.dnainfo.com/20120316/manhattan/disgraced-accountant-connected-millionaire-madam-anna-gristina/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=DNAinfo New York}}

In 1984, LAMM Food Corporation of Port Washington, New York – an affiliate that operated four Key Food stores at the time – was among three chains charged with price fixing for conspiring to stop redeeming discount coupons at double and triple their face value in 1981 and 1982. LAMM, Supermarkets General, and King Kullen each pleaded no contest.{{Cite web |date=October 2, 1984 |title=3 L.I. Chains File Price-Fixing Pleas |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1984/10/02/nyregion/the-region-3-li-chains-file-price-fixing-pleas.html |access-date=October 1, 2024 |website=The New York Times}}

On November 30, 1986, Key Foods president Camillo D'Urso went missing while fishing in Key Largo.{{Cite web |last=Saxon |first=Wolfgang |date=December 10, 1986 |title=SUPERMARKET EXECUTIVE MISSING AT SEA OFF FLORIDA |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1986/12/10/nyregion/supermarket-executive-missing-at-sea-off-florida.html |access-date=October 2, 2024 |website=The New York Times}} He was never found and was to presumed to have drowned.{{Cite news |last=Flannery |first=Joseph X. |date=1987-01-28 |title=Mass Cites Philanthropic Husband of Ex-Area Woman |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-tribune-1987-01-28-durso-car/42112240/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |work=The Times-Tribune |pages=9 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |date=February 4, 1987 |title=C. D'URSO, FOOD STORE FOUNDER |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1987-02-04-8701070770-story.html |newspaper=Sun-Sentinel}}{{Cite web |last=Gallagher |first=Tom |date=April 30, 2012 |title=New York loses another Catholic benefactor |url=https://www.ncronline.org/blogs/ncr-today/new-york-loses-another-catholic-benefactor |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=www.ncronline.org |language=en}} In February 1987, Pasquale Conte, owner of the affiliated Tapps Supermarkets and a director of the cooperative, was arrested for his involvement in the attempted murder of a defendant in the Pizza Connection trial.{{cite news |author=JOHN M. DOYLE |date=February 19, 1987 |title=Alleged Mastermind of "Pizza Connection" Hit Arrested |url=https://apnews.com/article/b95e492698c3d39e16d803e6a148e474 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116132808/https://apnews.com/article/b95e492698c3d39e16d803e6a148e474 |archive-date=November 16, 2022 |work=Associated Press |via=}}{{Cite news |last=Howard |first=Robert F. |date=January 23, 1990 |title='PIZZA CONNECTION' MASTERMIND CONVICTED IN VA. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/1990/01/23/pizza-connection-mastermind-convicted-in-va/f11e0631-3197-4f4e-a531-15360e2f04a4/ |access-date=2024-09-28 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}} Long suspected of mob ties, Conte was involved in a heroin smuggling operation with the Sicilian Mafia. Though the disappearance of D'Urso was believed to be unrelated to the hit, the FBI did investigate a connection.{{Cite news |last1=O'Shaughnessy |first1=Patrice |last2=Capeci |first2=Jerry |date=1987-02-19 |title=Executive called the boss of pizza hit |url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-news/36993116/?locale=en-US |access-date=2024-10-02 |work=Daily News |pages=323 |via=Newspapers.com}} In an unrelated case, Conte later pleaded guilty in 1994 to a 1990 mob-related murder and was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison.{{Cite web |last=Fried |first=Joseph P. |date=June 21, 1994 |title=Guilty Plea In a Killing In a Mob Case |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/06/21/nyregion/guilty-plea-in-a-killing-in-a-mob-case.html |access-date=October 2, 2024 |website=The New York Times}}{{Cite web |date=June 27, 1994 |title=TAPPS OWNER PLEADS GUILTY IN KILLING PLOT |url=https://www.supermarketnews.com/grocery-operations/tapps-owner-pleads-guilty-in-killing-plot |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Supermarket News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Fanelli |first=James |date=2018-02-08 |title=Brooklyn supermarket with mob ties seeks $4M in tax breaks to build condo tower |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2018/02/08/brooklyn-supermarket-with-mob-ties-seeks-4m-in-tax-breaks-to-build-condo-tower/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=New York Daily News |language=en-US}}

In January 1997, nearly 100 workers were laid off from the co-op's warehouse in Canarsie when distribution operations were moved to New Jersey. Another 200 jobs were saved after a union agreement kept the Brooklyn facility open.{{Cite web |date=1997-01-22 |title=200 JOBS SAVED, AFTER KEY FOOD LOPS OFF 100 |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/1997/01/22/200-jobs-saved-after-key-food-lops-off-100/ |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=New York Daily News |language=en-US}}

Key Food first experimented with home delivery in 1998, when two stores owned by Gemstone Supermarkets partnered with Homedelivery.com.{{Cite web |last=Purpura |first=Linda |date=June 8, 1998 |title=TWO KEY FOOD UNITS TEST HOME SHOPPING VIA WEB SITE |url=https://www.supermarketnews.com/grocery-operations/two-key-food-units-test-home-shopping-via-web-site |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=Supermarket News |language=en}} In July 2000, Key Food began outsourcing its distribution and transportation operations to Grocery Haulers, Inc. As part of the deal, the company sold its fixed assets, including two New York-based warehouses and inventory to GHI.{{Cite web |last=Ghitelman |first=David |date=July 10, 2000 |title=KEY FOOD TO SELL FIXED ASSETS TO GHI |url=https://www.supermarketnews.com/mergers-acquisitions/key-food-to-sell-fixed-assets-to-ghi |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=www.supermarketnews.com |language=en}}{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2000-07-07 |title=Key Food acquired by Grocery Haulers Inc. |url=https://libn.com/2000/07/07/key-food-acquired-by-grocery-haulers-inc/ |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Long Island Business News |language=en-US}} In November 2008, the cooperative names Dean Janeway as chief executive officer.{{Cite web |date=November 4, 2008 |title=Key Food Names Janeway CEO |url=https://www.supermarketnews.com/finance/key-food-names-janeway-ceo |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=www.supermarketnews.com |language=en}}

In 2011, Key Food expanded to Connecticut and New Jersey, with stores in Stamford and Jersey City.{{Cite web |last=Lee |first=Richard |date=January 27, 2011 |title=Key Food arrives at Stamford's Prospect Street neighborhood |url=https://www.stamfordadvocate.com/business/article/key-food-arrives-at-stamford-s-prospect-street-982159.php |access-date=October 1, 2024 |website=Stamford Advocate}}{{Cite web |last=Maher |first=Adam |date=2011-10-26 |title=Family-owned 'Key Food Supermarket' brings fresh, organic foods and 22 years of food-distribution experience to Jersey City |url=https://www.nj.com/hudson/2011/10/key_food_supermarket_family_br.html |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=The Jersey Journal |language=en |via=NJ.com}}{{Cite web |last=Panissidi |first=Anthony |title=Key Fresh & Natural Supermarket opening first Jersey Shore store in Manalapan |url=https://www.app.com/story/money/2014/05/09/key-fresh-natural-supermarket-opening-first-jersey-shore-store-in-manalapan/8902163/ |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=Asbury Park Press |language=en-US}} It also launched a new banner, Fresh n’ Save Marketplace, with two locations in Staten Island and Queens.{{Cite web |last=Springer |first=Jon |date=September 27, 2011 |title=Key Food Member Launching New Banner |url=https://www.supermarketnews.com/finance/key-food-member-launching-new-banner |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=Supermarket News |language=en}} In August 2012, the co-op reopened its South Street Seaport location as 55 Fulton Market, a 23,000 square feet, two-floor flagship store.{{Cite web |last=amNY |date=2012-08-22 |title=New Key Food reflects changing Seaport {{!}} amNewYork |url=https://www.amny.com/news/new-key-food-gets-mixed-reviews/ |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=www.amny.com |language=en-US}}

The cooperative took over two Queens CTown locations in January 2013, converting them to Key Food stores.{{Cite web |date=January 22, 2013 |title=Key Food Converts Two C-Towns |url=https://www.supermarketnews.com/finance/key-food-converts-two-c-towns |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=Supermarket News |language=en}} In June 2013, Key Food opened several new locations in New York City within a two week period. These included two in Queens, four in Brooklyn, and another in Staten Island.{{Cite web |date=June 14, 2013 |title=Key Food Expands in NYC |url=https://www.supermarketnews.com/finance/key-food-expands-in-nyc |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=Supermarket News |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Porpora |first=Tracey |date=2013-04-08 |title=Key Food opening stores in Staten Island's Arden Heights, South Beach and Port Richmond |url=https://www.silive.com/news/2013/04/key_food_opening_stores_in_sta.html |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=silive |language=en}} In December 2013, Key Food debuted its upscale Urban Market concept in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.{{Cite web |last=Springer |first=Jon |date=December 16, 2013 |title=Key Food Debuts 'Hybrid' Urban Market |url=https://www.supermarketnews.com/finance/key-food-debuts-hybrid-urban-market |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=Supermarket News |language=en}} A second location opened in Long Island City a year later.{{Cite web |last=Springer |first=Jon |date=November 12, 2014 |title=Key Food taking Urban Market to Queens |url=https://www.supermarketnews.com/finance/key-food-taking-urban-market-to-queens |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=Supermarket News |language=en}} In May 2014, the second Key Food location in New Jersey opened in Manalapan. Toward the end of 2014, the cooperative introduced the Food Universe banner with seven stores in New York City.{{Cite web |date=2014-11-25 |title=Key Food Introduces Food Universe Banner |url=https://progressivegrocer.com/key-food-introduces-food-universe-banner |access-date=2024-09-28 |website=Progressive Grocer |language=en}} In December, it opened the Olive Tree Marketplace in Staten Island.{{Cite web |date=2014-12-17 |title=Key Food Opening 1st Olive Tree Marketplace |url=https://progressivegrocer.com/key-food-opening-1st-olive-tree-marketplace |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=Progressive Grocer |language=en}}

In November 2015, Key Food completed the purchase of 23 stores from the bankrupt A&P, increasing its total number of stores to 212. The stores included three Pathmark, three A&P, 10 Waldbaum's, four Food Emporium, and three Food Basics USA locations in New York and New Jersey. Two of the stores opened as Food Universe locations under corporate operation, rather than cooperative ownership, for the first time in company history.{{cite web |date=22 October 2015 |title=Key Food confirms 23 A&P buys, will operate 2 |url=http://supermarketnews.com/ap-bankruptcy-2015/key-food-confirms-23-ap-buys-will-operate-2 |access-date=1 May 2017 |website=Supermarket News}}{{Cite web |date=October 22, 2015 |title=Key Food acquires 23 A&P stores, saves 1,800 jobs |url=https://theproducenews.com/key-food-acquires-23-ap-stores-saves-1800-jobs |access-date=September 29, 2024 |website=The Produce News}} The acquisition made it the largest grocer in New York City.{{cite web |last=Springer |first=Jon |date=29 October 2015 |title=Bolstered by new additions, Key Food CEO outlines growth plans |url=http://supermarketnews.com/retail-financial/bolstered-new-additions-key-food-ceo-outlines-growth-plans |access-date=1 May 2017 |website=Supermarket News}}

In July 2015, the cooperative debuted its Windsor Farms banner, opening a store in Brooklyn’s Windsor Terrace neighborhood.{{Cite web |date=July 16, 2015 |title=Key Food to debut Windsor Farms banner |url=https://www.supermarketnews.com/finance/key-food-to-debut-windsor-farms-banner |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=Supermarket News |language=en}} In December 2015, Key Food acquired the Food Emporium banner name and related intellectual property assets from A&P.{{Cite web |date=2015-12-21 |title=Key Food Acquires The Food Emporium |url=https://progressivegrocer.com/key-food-acquires-food-emporium |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=Progressive Grocer |language=en}} The company also acquired the SuperFresh name and assets in February 2016.{{Cite web |date=2016-02-09 |title=Key Food Acquires SuperFresh Banner |url=https://progressivegrocer.com/key-food-acquires-superfresh-banner |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=Progressive Grocer |language=en}} By October, another 10 former A&P locations had joined the cooperative. In total, it took control of 11% of A&P's 297 stores at the time of its bankruptcy.{{Cite web |last=Springer |first=Jon |date=October 27, 2016 |title=Key Food CEO: Aggressive buying paying off |url=https://www.supermarketnews.com/finance/key-food-ceo-aggressive-buying-paying-off |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=Supermarket News |language=en}} By June 2016, Key Food had rebranded three stores under the SuperFresh name.{{Cite web |date=June 9, 2016 |title=Key Food to celebrate N.Y. SuperFresh debut |url=https://www.supermarketnews.com/finance/key-food-to-celebrate-n-y-superfresh-debut |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=Supermarket News |language=en}} In October, the co-op introduced its Urban Meadow private label.{{Cite web |last=Springer |first=Jon |date=October 27, 2016 |title=Key Food launching Urban Meadow private brand |url=https://www.supermarketnews.com/private-label/key-food-launching-urban-meadow-private-brand |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Supermarket News |language=en}} At the end of the 2016 fiscal year, Key Food had gained 42 stores from Associated Stores Group over the previous 30 months.{{Cite web |date=2016-11-21 |title=Key Food Continues Record Revenue Pace; Sees Retailer Sales Reaching $3B In 2019 |url=https://foodtradenews.com/2016/11/21/key-food-continues-record-revenue-pace-sees-retailer-sales-reaching-3b-2019/ |access-date=2024-10-02 |website=Food Trade News & Food World |language=en-US}} In January 2019, Key Food opened its first location in Florida.{{Cite web |last=Metzger |first=Jeff |date=2023-01-17 |title=Coming Off Record Year, Key Food Touts Geographic Expansion As Vital To Growth |url=https://foodtradenews.com/2023/01/17/coming-off-record-year-key-food-touts-geographic-expansion-as-vital-to-growth/ |access-date=2024-09-30 |website=foodtradenews.com |language=en-US}}

When Fairway Market filed for bankruptcy in January 2020, Key Food purchased its Georgetown, Brooklyn store.{{Cite web |last=Duggan |first=Kevin |date=2020-03-27 |title=Fairway sells Georgetown outpost to Key Food in bankruptcy auction |url=https://www.brooklynpaper.com/fairway-sells-georgetown-outpost-to-key-food-in-bankruptcy-auction/ |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=www.brooklynpaper.com |language=en-US}} In October 2020, the cooperative signed a 10-year contract with UNFI for the wholesaler to serve as the primary supplier for its 315 stores.{{Cite web |date=2020-10-08 |title=UNFI Inks 10-Year, $10 Billion Wholesale Deal With Key Food |url=https://www.foodmanufacturing.com/capital-investment/news/21197289/unfi-inks-10year-10-billion-wholesale-deal-with-key-food |access-date=2024-09-29 |website=Food Manufacturing |language=en-us}} In late 2020, the co-op moved its corporate headquarters from Staten Island to Matawan, New Jersey.{{Cite web |last=Burd |first=Joshua |date=October 23, 2019 |title=Grocery co-op inks headquarters move to Old Bridge from Staten Island |url=https://re-nj.com/grocery-co-op-inks-headquarters-move-to-old-bridge-from-staten-island/ |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=re-nj.com}}{{Cite web |last=Blair |first=Gillian |date=2020-12-30 |title=Award-Winning Design Firm Announces Completion of New Key Food HQ in New Jersey |url=https://jerseydigs.com/award-winning-design-firm-announces-completion-of-new-key-food-hq-in-new-jersey/ |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=Jersey Digs |language=en-US}} By January 2023, Key Food had 62 locations in Florida and four stores in Pennsylvania.

{{reflist}}

• {{Commons category-inline}}
• {{Official website|http://www.keyfood.com/ }}

Category:American companies established in 1937

Category:Retail companies established in 1937

Category:Companies based in New York City

Category:Retailers' cooperatives in the United States

Category:Supermarkets of the United States

Category:1937 establishments in New York City

Category:Cooperatives based in New Jersey