TYLER, Texas — Brookshire Grocery Co. (BGC) has announced the retirement of Brad Brookshire, chairman and CEO, concluding a distinguished career defined by servant leadership, community commitment, and long-term growth of the family-owned company.
Brookshire has served the company for 49 years, including 20 years as chairman of the board and 10 years as CEO, and is the grandson of company founder W.T. Brookshire. Under his leadership as CEO, BGC expanded its store count, strengthened its culture of innovation and customer service, and deepened its longstanding commitment to the communities it serves across Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
“From growing up in this company and watching my grandfather lead the company, to stepping into the shoes myself, it has been the greatest honor to be chairman and CEO of Brookshire Grocery Company,” Brookshire said. “BGC’s success has always been driven by our employee-partners, our customers, and our communities, and I’m thankful for the support that has carried this company forward for nearly a century.”
In his time with the company, Brookshire served in all areas of the business in roles including store director, vice president, executive vice president and president before becoming CEO. He was instrumental in the development of the Super 1 Foods banner over 41 years ago. During Brookshire’s time as CEO, the company established and expanded the banner of Spring Market, acquired the Reasor’s banner in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and expanded the Super 1 Foods and FRESH by Brookshire’s banners. In total, the company grew from 152 stores to 222 stores. BGC also improved its stores through numerous remodels, new technology and partnerships with well-known, national companies.
Under Brookshire’s leadership, the company supported its 175 communities through times of celebration and times of crisis including countless winter storms, hurricanes, tornadoes and the COVID-19 pandemic. Brookshire helped establish the Heroes Flight program, which has escorted nearly 600 veterans on 21 all-expenses-paid trips to Washington D.C. as a way of honoring them for their service and sacrifices. He also spearheaded the Focus on the Future Scholarship program, which was a more than $1 million scholarship endowment to over 45 universities and colleges in communities where BGC has stores.
Brookshire was inducted into the Food Industry Hall of Fame in 2020 and, in 2024, received the Food Industry Association’s Sidney R. Rabb Award – the grocery industry’s highest honor. He also represented the grocery industry in Texas on Governor Greg Abbott’s Strike Force to Open Texas during the pandemic in 2020.
The company also announced that Jerry LeClair will assume the role of interim CEO. LeClair joined the company as EVP – Chief Merchant Officer in 2019 and has more than 40 years in the grocery business. LeClair was promoted to Chief Operating Officer last year and has led Retail Operations, Marketing, Category Management, Merchandising, Fuel, Logistics and Facility Services.
“Brad’s leadership has shaped BGC in profound and lasting ways,” said LeClair. “He has led with integrity, humility, and a genuine care for people, ensuring that BGC continues to thrive while honoring the company’s heritage. Brad strengthened the foundation laid by our company founder and we are determined to continue his legacy. As a team, we will remain focused on serving our customers and supporting our employee-partners.”
BGC will recognize Brookshire’s contributions later this spring with a celebration event to honor his years of service and commemorate his retirement.
Submit Your Press Release
Have news to share? Send us your press releases and announcements.
Send Press Release
