ARLINGTON, Va. — Today, FMI—The Food Industry Association announced the winners of the 2025 Store Manager Awards, celebrating innovators in food retail who exceed expectations by leading with intention, uplifting their teams, and crafting outstanding shopping experiences.
“For the past 20 years, FMI’s Store Manager Awards have paid tribute to store managers across the world,” said Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI. “It’s important for us to pause and recognize not only this year’s group of honorees, but also the legacy of store managers serving this industry over the past two decades. Year after year, the stories of these store managers inspire and demonstrate the best of what food retail offers.”
After receiving over 170 nominations, the field was narrowed down to 11 distinguished finalists whose stories have been featured on FMI’s website. During a live award ceremony, hosts Sarasin and Pamela Stewart, Chief Customer Officer - Retail, North America, The Coca-Cola Company, connected with each finalist and announced the winners.
Sarasin continued, “This year's honorees stand out not only for operational excellence but also for the powerful impact they make in their stores and surrounding communities. They solve challenges with creativity, champion their teams’ tremendous contributions, and serve their communities with compassion. We are proud to celebrate each of our 2025 Store Manager Award recipients for all they have achieved.”
The 2025 Store Manager Awards recipients:
- Category A: Russell Blais, Roche Bros. Marketplace
- Category B: Jason Johnson, K-VA-T Food Stores, Inc., Food City
- Category C: Ramatoulaye Diallo, Jewel-Osco
- Category D: Tahjae Welch, The MarketPlace Limited
Top, left to right: Russell Blais, Rama Diallo. Bottom, left to right: Jason Johnson, Tahjae Welch.
Additionally, we are pleased to announce Heath Redman of Harris Teeter LLC is the “People’s Pick” recipient of 2025, garnering more than 1,300 social media votes.
