SpartanNash

SpartanNash Company (formerly Grand Rapids Wholesale Grocery Company and Spartan Stores, Inc.) is an American food distribution and retail company headquartered in Byron Center, Michigan. Founded in 1917, it was formerly known as Spartan Stores until adopting its current name in November 2013, following a merger with Nash Finch Company. Over the years, SpartanNash has grown to become an important part of the food supply chain in the United States, helping to get food from producers to stores and customers.

The company operates both food distribution services and retail stores, making it a key player in keeping shelves stocked across many areas. Its work supports thousands of jobs and helps ensure that families and communities have access to the food they need.

In September 2025, SpartanNash was purchased by C&S Wholesale Grocers, marking a significant change in its ownership and structure. This acquisition reflects the evolving nature of the grocery and food distribution industry, as larger companies come together to better serve their customers and adapt to changing market needs.

Overview

SpartanNash distributes food to independent grocery stores, military commissaries, and owns retail grocery stores in 44 states, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. It operates 147 stores under brands such as Family Fare, Martin's Super Markets, and D&W Fresh Market in the Midwestern United States.

The company is the largest food distributor for military commissaries and exchanges in the United States. In 2025, SpartanNash was acquired by C&S Wholesale Grocers, the parent company of Piggly Wiggly.

History

The Grand Rapids Wholesale Grocery Company was started in 1917 by 43 grocers and later became known as Spartan Stores in 1957. For many years, it operated as a cooperative before becoming a for-profit company in the 1970s.

In November 2013, Spartan Stores merged with the Nash Finch Company to form SpartanNash Company. Over the years, SpartanNash grew by buying many grocery stores and companies, such as D&W Food Centers and Martin's Super Markets. In September 2025, SpartanNash was purchased by C&S Wholesale Grocers.

Retail chains

SpartanNash operates several grocery stores across different states. Some of their current stores include D&W Fresh Market in Michigan, Family Fare Supermarkets in several Midwest states, and Remke Markets in the Cincinnati area. They also have stores like Martin's Super Markets in Indiana and Michigan, and Village Market in Elk Rapids, Michigan.

In the past, SpartanNash managed many other store brands. These included Bag 'N Save, which changed to the Family Fare name in 2015, and Dan's Supermarket in North Dakota, which also became Family Fare in 2023. Other former stores are Econofoods, Felpausch, Food Town Supermarkets, Glen's Markets, and The Pharm, among others. Many of these stores switched to the Family Fare name over the years.