This month, we’re sitting down “At The Table With” Ken Rinadli, President of Shaw’s and Star Market, two of the most historic grocery banners in the United States. Shaw’s was founded before the Civil War in 1860, and Star Market opened its first store more than a century ago in 1915. Ken leads a dedicated team of 20,000 associates across 146 stores serving customers in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.
Ken, tell us about your division, and what makes your communities and customers so special?
What makes Shaw’s and Star Market truly exceptional is the deep history and multigenerational connection our stores share with New England communities. Shaw’s, founded in 1860, is the longest continually operating supermarket in the United States, and Star Market, founded in 1915, continues its long-standing commitment to serving Greater Boston. This May, we’re excited to open a brand-new Shaw’s store in Marlborough, Massachusetts.
New England itself is a remarkable region, stretching from the rocky coastline of Maine to the rolling green hills of Vermont and the vibrant energy of Boston. In the towns and cities we serve, there’s a heartfelt spirit of neighbors helping neighbors, fans cheering on local sport teams, and savoring the seasons as they roll in – crisp fall days, cozy winter months, and the welcome return of the warmth and sunshine of spring and summer.
Across this diverse landscape and changing seasons, one thing remains constant: our customers’ strong values and rich family traditions centered around food. That shared heritage is what makes serving these communities so meaningful.
What are your top 3 favorite Own Brands products? Why?
I have many favorite Own Brands products, but I always stock up on the Open Nature cauliflower crust pizza. I love all the flavors, and this is a delicious, better-for-you alternative to traditional pizza. Another favorite is our Signature rotisserie chicken. It’s consistently high-quality and incredibly versatile – perfect for quick, easy meals when time is limited. And I can’t choose just one Lucerne dairy product so I’m going to say all of them. Lucerne is excellent national-brand quality at an outstanding value, making Lucerne milk, butter, yogurt, eggs and cheese a staple in my home
What food or well-being trends do you see our customers excited about most? What products or services are the most popular in your stores?
Customers continue to gravitate toward convenience without compromising freshness or nutrition. Our fresh-cut produce is especially popular, whether as a healthy snack, prepped vegetables ready for cooking, or beautifully arranged trays for gatherings. These options make it easy for customers to enjoy fresh, high-quality produce that fits their lifestyle and needs.
What feature on our mobile app or online shopping experience should every customer know about?
One feature every customer should take advantage of is the Meals Hub in the Shaw’s app. I sometimes experience decision fatigue when planning meals and the Meals Hub simplifies the entire process. Customers can select from a variety of meal ideas, and the app automatically generates a shopping list with ingredients, price per serving, required cookware, prep and cook times, and step-by-step instructions. It is an incredibly helpful tool that is like having a personal chef guiding you through meal planning.
Why do you love working here?
I love working here because of our 20,000 incredible associates who make this place truly special. They show their dedication every day, whether they’re helping customers in our store aisles, keeping things moving on distribution center loading docks, delivering product safely in our tractor trailers, or assisting our 146 stores from our Shaw’s and Star Market Store Support Center.
Our associates are the heart of Shaw’s and Star Market. They have raised and donated millions of dollars over the years for children’s hospitals, sorted thousands of pounds of food for local food pantries, and they have quietly laid wreaths each December in honor of those who have served our country. I am incredibly proud of the ongoing commitment they show to our communities.
Lastly, my story with Shaw’s and Star Market is a reminder of how a first job can become a lifelong journey. Like so many of our associates, I started my career as a high school student bagging groceries at Star Market. Along the way, with dedication, many opportunities to learn, and the support of others, a part-time job slowly grew into a deeply rewarding career. Shaw’s and Star Market have been an incredibly important part of my life, and I am grateful for the chance to give back by supporting and inspiring future generations of food retailers.