Bashas’ gets new president/support center

Contributed Photo: Bashas' opened its new support center in Chandler and named a new president on the same day.

Contributed Photo: Bashas’ opened its new support center in Chandler and named a new president on the same day.

Staff Reports

CHANDLER – The Raley’s Companies recently announced the promotion of Steve Mayer as the new president of Bashas’ Operating Company. Additionally, the store held a ribbon cutting for its new support center in Chandler at 2650 W. Geronimo Pl.

Keith Knopf, President & Chief Executive Officer of The Raley’s Companies released the promotion announcement on the same day as the ribbon cutting on June 14. The Raley’s Companies purchased Bashas’ in 2021. 

Contributed Photo: Steve Mayer has been announced as the new president of Bashas’ Operating Company.

“On behalf of Mike Teel, the Board of Directors, and myself, we are proud to announce the promotion of Steve Mayer to President of the Bashas’ Operating Company,” Knopf wrote in his release. “In his new role, he will lead the Bashas’ organization in Arizona & New Mexico, including all store and distribution center operations, as well as sales and merchandising. Steve will continue to report to me and serve on the Enterprise Leadership Team.” 

“Steve is a veteran of the industry and joined Bashas’ leadership team in 2020. Most recently, Steve served as Bashas’ Chief Operating Officer, where he has proven to be a capable and strategic leader. Under his leadership and direction, Bashas’ continues to build on a strong financial trend and brand evolution while preserving its proud legacy. The Bashas’ operating company, including Bashas’, Bashas’ Diné, Food City, and AJ’s stores are thriving. We are fortunate to have such a proven and dedicated leader.” 

“Steve comes into his new role surrounded by a long-serving and capable Bashas’ executive team including Johnny Basha, Michael Basha, Ralph Woodward, Ashley Shick and Sabrina Dominquez along with The Raley’s Companies shared services leaders, all of whom will work together, alongside all team members, to ensure continued focus and success.” 

The Bashas’ office is named Support Center because of the support it lends to retail stores, which in turn supports customers. The new office location will be a hub for merchandising and operations for Bashas’, Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods, Eddie’s Country Store, and Bashas’ Diné grocery stores across Arizona and New Mexico.

“We are committed to preserving and enhancing the Bashas’ brands, and this includes our investment in an office that fosters innovation and collaboration. This modern workspace will provide new amenities and create an environment to inspire existing and future team members,” Keith Knopf, President & CEO of The Raley’s Companies said in a previous release.

“It goes without saying that Chandler has built a very close relationship with Bashas’ over the decades, and it was a top priority for us to keep these quality office jobs in our community,” Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke said at the announcement in December. “We appreciate The Raley’s Companies proactive outreach to City leadership early on in the real estate process and we want to congratulate the team on its beautiful new office in the heart of Price Corridor.”