Stew Leonard's Prepares Fourth-Generation Leadership Transition Over Four Years

Stew Leonard Jr., who has been president of the Connecticut-based grocery chain for 44 of its 57 years, is set to relinquish his title to his daughter Blake Leonard, 41, with nephew Jake Tavello, 38, taking on the chief executive role. The family has designed a four-year, phased transition to ensure continuity of the store’s distinctive attractions, such as animatronics and themed sections, and to maintain its strong employee benefits.

Currently the company runs eight stores in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey and employs over 2,500 people, generating roughly $550 million in revenue. The succession plan aims to address the common difficulty many U.S. family firms face when passing leadership to the third generation, a stage where only a small percentage survive. Blake and Jake intend to blend the brand’s nostalgic appeal with modern updates while keeping the core customer experience intact.