The Alabama Grocers Association (AGA) recently held their annual Food Industry Finest Luncheon, honoring their industry award winners. Among the accolades was the Retailer of the Year Award presented to IGA member Gerry D’Alessandro, CEO of Fresh Value.
“It was such an honor to be nominated and selected to win the AGA Retailer of the Year,” said D’Alessandro. “It was very humbling, and I really appreciate all of my peers that recognized me and voted for me to win this award.”
Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Gerry D'Alessandro was immersed in the world of retail, working at his family's grocery store in Bessemer. From an early age, he wasn't just watching the business from the sideline; he was in the thick of it, bagging groceries. The rhythms of daily sales, interactions with customers, and the sense of camaraderie among the staff were not just routines for D'Alessandro — they were lessons.
By age 25, his entrepreneurial spirit, honed by years of firsthand experience, propelled him to take a significant step: he purchased the family store (originally named Fourth Avenue) from his father and uncle. The location was founded by his grandfather in 1951.
This move was not just about maintaining a legacy; it was a manifestation of D'Alessandro's belief in the power of local businesses to serve and uplift communities.
“Going into college, I didn't know what I wanted to do, but I was positive I didn't want to be in the grocery business. But I graduated in 2008 with a degree in risk management and financial planning. Nobody had any finances to plan for in 2008,” he said.
D’Alessandro decided to keep working in the grocery business and soon enough came the opportunity to buy the family store.
“I realized it wasn't so bad, and I really enjoyed it. I liked the customers and the team and just set out on a journey to keep building more from there.”
Within a decade, D’Alessandro’s vision translated into tangible growth. The single store in Bessemer morphed into a chain of 14 Fresh Value supermarkets (three of which are Meat Depot by Fresh Value) that spread across Alabama. His stores can be found in rural, suburban, and urban communities. Some stores can range from 15,000 square feet to 55,000 square feet.
Each new location wasn't just a business expansion — it was a commitment to providing communities with quality meats, produce, and other essentials at affordable prices. Fresh Value wasn't just a brand; it was D'Alessandro's mission.
In the landscape of Alabama's retail industry, D’Alessandro’s name is synonymous with resilience and growth. His journey from a young grocery bagger in Bessemer to the owner of Fresh Value is not only something that he is proud of, but something he continues to expand.
“I am thrilled to congratulate Gerry D'Alessandro on being awarded Retailer of the Year,” said IGA Area Director Doug Stone. “Gerry's remarkable journey, from a young grocery bagger in Bessemer to the visionary leader behind Fresh Value, is a true testament to his passion for serving communities. His dedication to providing quality products at affordable prices has not only transformed the retail landscape but also uplifted these neighborhoods across central Alabama.”
Outside of his business life, Gerry is more than just an entrepreneur. He's a dedicated husband, having been married to Mikayla D'Alessandro for eight years. Their shared passion for exploring new horizons has taken them on numerous travels across the world, creating memories that they cherish.
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