The city of Elizabeth, NJ, has renamed York Street “Joe Sheridan Way” in honor of longtime Wakefern President Joe Sheridan. Sheridan will retire in December after nearly five decades with the company. Mike Stigers, a supermarket industry veteran, joined Wakefern in June as the new president.

Local leaders joined Wakefern representatives for a dedication and street sign unveiling ceremony Oct. 24. The event, which took place outside the Elizabeth Grocery Distribution Center on York Street, recognized Sheridan for his decades of commitment not only to the cooperative, but also to his hometown of Elizabeth and the many communities served by Wakefern’s supermarkets and distribution centers. Sheridan started his career as a selector in the Elizabeth warehouse in 1976 and rose through the ranks to become president of the company in 2011.
 
Mayor Bollwage said he was proud to dedicate the street to Sheridan, a homegrown kid who rose to the highest levels of his profession, and thankful for the Elizabeth native’s work over the years to make sure that Wakefern remained a New Jersey-based business with a strong presence in the city.

"The city of Elizabeth thanks Joe Sheridan for his efforts leading Wakefern, creating jobs and providing quality food products for our residents,” said Bollwage.

“Joe eventually rose to the role of president of Wakefern in 2011, and led what is now a $19.6 billion dollar cooperative with his signature grit and determination — and with his deep sense of pride in his Elizabeth roots,” said Stigers. “Few demonstrate a stronger love for their company — and their community — than Joe.”

Sheridan was born and raised in Elizabeth and began his career at Wakefern’s Elizabeth warehouse more than 47 years ago. After graduating from Kean University in 1980, he was promoted to category manager and his passion for the business ignited. Sheridan worked over the decades with the cooperative’s member family-owned businesses and in many different parts of the company.

During his time as vice president and president, Wakefern added four new retail banners and 93 stores, and launched one of the grocery industry’s earliest online shopping platforms in 2002, known today as Order.Pickup.Deliver. He oversaw significant investments to optimize retail and warehouse operations and launched Wakefern’s award-winning Bowl & Basket, Wholesome Pantry and Paperbird private label lines.

Sheridan also led the way in corporate social responsibility, with Wakefern’s commitment to community deepening and flourishing at his direction. More than $62 million has been donated through ShopRite Partners In Caring to hunger fighting organizations over the last 24 years. Sheridan is also a regular volunteer each year at the Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games, where he volunteers alongside other Wakefern associates to prepare and serve meals to thousands of athletes and their families. He is a past board member of the Embrace Kids Foundation and a supporter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In 2016, he was recognized as a Pink Tie Guy for partnering with Komen North Jersey in the fight against breast cancer.

“I’ve been blessed to be around great people for a great career,” Sheridan said at the unveiling ceremony. “As a native son of Elizabeth, I just want to say, thank you. I truly appreciate and I am honored by this tribute.”