Jeffrey Brown, a fourth-generation grocer and CEO of Brown’s Super Stores, has dedicated his career to serving "food deserts"—urban areas often neglected by traditional retailers due to low profit margins and high operating costs. By joining the Wakefern cooperative and utilizing creative public-private partnerships, Brown has successfully opened 12 stores in the Greater Philadelphia area. These markets do more than sell groceries; they act as community hubs, offering specialized ethnic foods, health clinics, and credit unions to meet the specific needs of their neighborhoods.
The Brown family’s commitment to social impact is woven into their business model, notably through their workforce initiatives. They are a major employer of "returning citizens," with approximately 700 employees who were formerly incarcerated. Additionally, they founded the non-profit Uplift Solutions to support grocery development in low-income areas and provide national workforce training. This mission-driven approach has earned national recognition, including an invitation to the 2010 State of the Union address by President Obama and praise from major news outlets for their efforts to combat food insecurity.
Despite facing significant hurdles—including the double impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the destruction of two stores during civil unrest in 2020—the family has remained steadfast. Following the looting, the Browns chose to rebuild and reopen within a single week, supported by thousands of messages of affection from the local community. Today, the family is preparing the fifth generation to lead the business, ensuring that their philosophy of bringing "joy and problem-solving" to urban communities continues for years to come.
To learn more about the Brown family’s legacy and their unique approach to urban grocery retail, you can read the full article at Family Business Magazine.