Save A Lot is putting the spotlight on its top-performing retail partners, recognizing 10 operators and store leaders for standout results in 2025.
The discount grocery chain announced the winners during its annual Retail Partner Awards, held alongside its national meeting and food show. The event brought together independent operators from across the U.S. to celebrate performance, innovation, and community impact.
Notably, the awards reflect a business model that depends heavily on local ownership. As a result, Save A Lot continues to emphasize operator-driven growth, particularly in diverse and price-sensitive communities.
Sales Growth Drives Top Save A Lot Retail Partners
To begin with, Save A Lot recognized stores that delivered the strongest year-over-year gains in both customer traffic and sales — a key benchmark for the company’s value-focused strategy.
Among single-store operators, Dwayne and Greg Smith in Lavergne, Tennessee, led the category. Meanwhile, Jason Bramblett and Patrick Sowers in Greensboro, North Carolina, topped the medium-store segment.
At the larger scale, Anchor Foods earned recognition for its performance in Russell Springs, Kentucky.
These results underscore a broader trend: discount grocers continue to gain traction as inflation-conscious shoppers prioritize value and convenience.
Digital Push Highlights Omnichannel Leaders
At the same time, the company is accelerating its digital transformation. The Omnichannel Leader awards highlight Save A Lot Retail Partners that excel in app engagement, e-commerce, and loyalty programs.
Winners included Rod and Angie Taylor in the single-store category and Shannon McPherson among mid-sized operators. In the large operator segment, Ascend Grocery stood out for its digital strategy.
Consequently, these efforts reflect a shift across the independent grocery sector, where operators increasingly blend brick-and-mortar efficiency with digital tools to retain customers.
Related Article: Save A Lot Awards $10.5K to Local Hometown Heroes
Community Impact Remains Central
Beyond financial performance, Save A Lot continues to emphasize community engagement as a core pillar of its brand.
For instance, Al Solanki of Moultrie, Georgia, earned the Hometown Hero award for more than a decade of local outreach. His annual Christmas initiative feeds the homeless and provides essential supplies, while his ongoing support for schools and the YMCA strengthens neighborhood ties.
In addition, Scott Clewis, IT director of product delivery, received recognition for outstanding customer service. His work supporting Retail Partners with technology solutions has improved operational efficiency across the network.
Store Managers Reflect Operational Excellence
Equally important, Save A Lot highlighted store-level leadership through its Store Managers of the Year awards.
Brandon Dial in Tennessee led the single-store category. Rosalinda Teneyuque in Michigan earned honors among mid-sized operators, while Jorge Aguilar in Denver stood out in the large-store segment.
These managers play a critical role in executing day-to-day operations, maintaining store standards, and ensuring a consistent customer experience.
Top Save A Lot Retail Partners Set the Standard
Finally, the company named its Retail Partners of the Year — operators who delivered strong financial results while maintaining deep community engagement.
Steve Dunn, a single-store operator, posted steady gains in both traffic and sales while maintaining a consistent shopping experience.
Meanwhile, Sauer Group, with more than 45 years in the business, continued to drive growth through community-focused strategies and aggressive value promotions.
At the large-operator level, Rabban Brothers earned recognition for navigating a challenging environment, including pressures tied to EBT-dependent markets, while maintaining operational stability.
Leadership Underscores Independent Model
“Through operational excellence, meaningful community engagement, and a commitment to delivering fresh, full, friendly, and clean stores, they drive our brand forward,” said Bill Mayo, CEO of Save A Lot.
Ultimately, the awards highlight the strength of the company’s independent retail model. With about 600 stores across 29 states, Save A Lot continues to rely on entrepreneurial operators to compete in an increasingly complex grocery landscape.