Market Basket's new family food fight
The words "Market Basket" either mean nothing to you or represent your most beloved brand.
That latter camp is mostly comprised of New Englanders who view the grocery chain as akin to the Red Sox. Or even church. Seriously.
And its future is now in flux.
Flashback: Some outsiders may remember Market Basket as the subject of a contentious ownership fight in 2014 — between two cousins both named Arthur Demoulas — which included employee protests (often on their own time) and customer boycotts in support of "Artie T."
The dispute was resolved when Arthus T. Demoulas and his side of the family bought a control stake from Arthur S. Demoulas, in a transaction that included around $1.6 billion in debt financing from top Wall Street firms (which got paid off at the end of last year).
Fast forward: The Demoulas are feuding again, although this time it's siblings instead of cousins.
Market Basket's board last night put CEO Arthus T. Demoulas and several other employees (including his son and daughter) on paid administrative leave, as it investigates his conduct.
The board, which includes an unaffiliated private equity exec and PE-focused lawyer, was appointed by the majority shareholder group that includes Arthus T. Demoulas and his three sisters.
Behind the scenes: I'm told that the board had grown frustrated with its lack of access to information, including things like budgets and succession plans.
"They would learn about new store openings in the paper," a source explains.
Last August it gave Demoulas an ultimatum about increased transparency, but feels he didn't comply. Instead, the board believes that Demoulas was planning a work stoppage.
It also appears that the three sisters support the board's decision, perhaps because it seems like he was planning to have his kids eventually take over.
What he's saying: Via a spokesperson, Demoulas issued a statement saying he was "ousted" and that the investigation is a "farcical cover for a hostile takeover."
His spokesperson didn't respond to repeated requests for further comment.
Look ahead: The immediate question is if employees once again will protest in support of their vaunted CEO, but the longer-term one is what this means for a chain of nearly 100 locations in an era of supermarket consolidation.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fast Company
a day ago
- Fast Company
What Market Basket's labor tension reveals about Gen Z
'Honestly, I don't even remember the 2014 situation. It just seems like it's asking a lot of the employees. Why's it on us?' — Gen Z Market Basket employee, June 2025 Ten years ago, Market Basket—a New England-based grocery chain—became a national symbol of grassroots worker solidarity. Thousands of nonunion employees staged a dramatic walkout to protest the ousting of their CEO, Arthur T. Demoulas. Customers followed suit, boycotting stores. Shelves emptied. The message was clear: people, not just profits, mattered. And it worked. Demoulas was reinstated, and Market Basket's culture of loyalty was hailed as a case study in bottom-up leadership. Now, in 2025, Demoulas has been placed on administrative leave, and tensions are beginning to stir again. But something feels different. The energy is quieter. The loyalty less certain. And for good reason: the workforce has changed. A different kind of commitment Most of Market Basket's current front-line employees are millennials or Gen Z. Many of them weren't even in high school in 2014. And unlike the prior generation, they didn't come up in a workplace culture that promised stability, pensions, or upward mobility. They came of age during mass layoffs, the pandemic, and a decade of seeing 'essential' workers celebrated rhetorically—but often left unsupported. When I spoke with a Gen Z employee this week, their perspective was both honest and revealing. 'There's no way I really care about the long-term health of the company. I'm not going to work here for life. However, I do care about the people I work with—and the affordable prices. I'm torn.' The comment wasn't true apathy, but a different kind of commitment. Fairness, clarity, and a voice As a leadership researcher and business school lecturer who focuses on generational dynamics, I've seen this mindset across industries. Gen Z doesn't reject work ethic—but they do reject blind loyalty. They want to contribute, but they also want fairness, clarity, and a sense that their voice matters. They're less likely to organize around a charismatic executive and more likely to organize around shared values or people in their immediate circle. When I asked this employee what empathy looks like to them at a moment like this, their answer wasn't about the company—it was about the customer. 'We have a lot of people who are elderly and can't afford to go anywhere else. That actually makes it harder, because we can stay open for them—or walk out and hope that we can keep MB the way it is long term.' That response reflects a major evolution in how younger workers see the workplace. It's not about 'company man' culture—it's about what's humane, what's sustainable, and who's affected. Why this matters to leaders In 2014, Market Basket's walkout became iconic because it was so rare: a coordinated labor action without a union, driven by a deep emotional connection to leadership. It represented a kind of institutional loyalty that's becoming less common—not just at grocery stores, but across industries. Today, we're seeing a different dynamic. Gen Z workers are still willing to take a stand—but it's not always the kind of stand companies expect. Some may walk out. Others may opt for 'quiet quitting,' high turnover, or organizing through digital platforms instead of picket lines. Their actions are no less meaningful, but they're often less visible—and that can leave organizations flat-footed if they're not paying attention. In my research and classroom discussions, I see Gen Z define loyalty not as longevity, but as values alignment. They will go to bat for coworkers. They'll support customers and communities. But they expect the same in return from leadership. And if they don't get it, they won't stick around—especially not to fix systems they didn't break. That creates a new challenge for employers: building workplace cultures that don't rely on legacy loyalty, but earn trust in real time. The risk of expecting too much The 2014 Market Basket strike succeeded because workers and customers felt united. But this time around, younger workers are more skeptical—not just of leadership, but of the idea that change depends solely on their willingness to sacrifice. 'Why's it on us?' the employee asked. That's the generational rift in a single sentence. Many younger employees have watched companies brand themselves as family until times get tough. They've seen layoffs announced over email, burnout go unacknowledged, and corporate promises ring hollow. So, when they're asked to 'do the right thing' for an employer, they ask—reasonably—what the company is doing for them. And yet, they still care. They care about fairness. They care about their team. They care about the elderly shopper who relies on affordable produce. That tension is exactly where Gen Z sits: morally aware, emotionally intelligent, and structurally exhausted. What comes next If a walkout happens again at Market Basket, it won't look like 2014. It might not even be a walkout. It might be subtler: shifts in morale, early exits, a lack of buy-in. But it will still matter. Because the real story here isn't about one grocery chain—it's about a generational shift in how workers define loyalty and leadership. And as companies across industries wrestle with engagement, retention, and trust, this moment is a reminder: culture isn't inherited. It's built—and rebuilt—by every generation that shows up to work. Gen Z may not be in it for life. But they are in it for something. And if leaders want to keep them around, they need to stop asking for blind loyalty—and start delivering earned respect.
Boston Globe
2 days ago
- Boston Globe
History on wheels: Framingham man restores century old car after 30-year hunt
The restored Bay State along with more than 150 other historic cars will be on display Sunday at the Bay State Motor Festival in Framingham. The event took two years of planning by Executive Director Lemoine and his 'small army' of friends, family, and colleagues. Advertisement The festival will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the lawn of Cushing Memorial Park at 80 Dudley Road. Lemoine called the event 'a big history lesson,' where car enthusiasts from across New England and beyond will celebrate Massachusetts' history as the birthplace of the American automobile, according to historians. Before World War II, Massachusetts bolstered a booming automotive industry, home to over 160 manufacturers, including R.H. Long Motor company, which made the Bay State. Only about 4,000 Bay States were made over its four years of production before R.H. Long Motor Company, now A Bay State automobile in Framingham Centre. Framingham Historical Center Right when Lemoine had accepted that he would never find a model of the car, 'the Bay State found me,' he said. Advertisement In 2016, Lemoine acquired the car from an Iowa man who had contacted the The former history center director put the two men in touch, Lemoine said. The Iowa man gifted the Bay State on two conditions: Lemoine take him to a Red Sox game and give him a ride in the car when it was restored. After nearly eight years of work and help from expert craftsmen, Lemoine finished the Bay State, returning the 101-year-old car to its former glory. 'I knew it was going to be a long-term restoration case ... I wanted to do it right,' Lemoine said. 'It's a part of Framingham history.' R.H. Long Motor Company, previously a shoe manufacturer, drove the state and local economy, at one point employing about 20% of metrowest's population, Lemoine said. A market swing in the mid 1920s caused many of the automotive manufacturers to dissolve. Companies such as Ford outcompeted local businesses who outsourced production of interior parts like the engine. This method, involving middlemen, drove up costs. In 1924, a Bay State Sedan sold for about $2,500, while a Ford Model T went for about $500, Lemoine said. Bay State advertisement displaying varying models of the car. Ken Lemoine While many local motor companies were forced out of business a century ago, Massachusetts retains its automotive history. 'Massachusetts is where is all started,' Lemoine said. And for that reason, Lemoine has an ambitious vision for the future of the Bay State Motor Festival. He hopes it will become a large, annual celebration, bringing Framingham's vibrant automotive history to an audience beyond typical car enthusiasts. Advertisement 'It's an event for everyone to enjoy, it's for families,' Lemoine said. Sunday's festival is free to all. The event will host food trucks and several performers, Lemoine said. 'A tremendous amount of history is going to be on that lawn,' Lemoine said. 'Car culture in New England is second only to about California ... to bring that culture together is really what we're trying to do.' Sarah Mesdjian can be reached at
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
The Cherry on Top: JetBlue Launches Service to Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, Michigan
Beginning today, JetBlue will operate flights three times weekly between Traverse City, Mich., and its Boston focus city for the summer season To celebrate launch, limited time $69 one-way fares now available only on BOSTON, June 05, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--JetBlue (NASDAQ: JBLU) today announced the start of its summer-seasonal service between Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, Mich. Taking off today and operating Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays through October 25, the new service connects New England with one of the nation's top summer vacation destinations. The new route also gives Northern Michiganders access to JetBlue's extensive focus city network from Boston, where the airline serves more destinations than any other carrier. To celebrate, tickets between Boston and Traverse City are now on sale, with fares starting as low as $69 when booking on "Traverse City might be one of the best-kept summer secrets, and JetBlue is excited to make it more accessible to travelers," said David Jehn, vice president network plan and airline partnerships at JetBlue. "This new route reflects our commitment to connecting more people to unique and underserved destinations. By adding Traverse City to our map, we're not only opening the door for New Englanders to discover Northern Michigan's natural beauty but also giving locals easier access to Boston and JetBlue's broader network." "We're thrilled to welcome JetBlue to the TVC route map! This exciting addition enhances our connectivity to Boston and the East Coast, opening new opportunities for both regional travelers and visitors discovering all that northern Michigan has to offer," said Kevin Klein, CEO of Cherry Capital Airport. "This expansion not only enhances travel options but also strengthens the visitor economy—an essential driver of prosperity for our region. Supporting tourism and connectivity is vital to our continued growth, and this new addition marks another step forward for our community," said Trevor Tkach, President & CEO of Traverse City Tourism. The Cherry on TopNestled along Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City brings the quaint feeling of a coastal community to the Midwest. From the hiking trails of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to the soft sand and towering lighthouses overlooking the waters of Lake Michigan's – not to mention the thriving food and drink culture – Traverse City offers something for any summer traveler. And, with its namesake cherry orchards in full bloom, summer is that much sweeter in Traverse City. Customers traveling from Traverse City now have access to cities across JetBlue's network, through the airline's leading presence in Boston. As New England's leading leisure carrier, JetBlue has made Boston a key part of its network strategy as it delivers on its commitment of building the best East Coast leisure network, most recently reflected in the launch of service from Boston to Madrid, Spain, and Edinburgh, Scotland, which customers can enjoy through the summer season. Schedule between Boston and Traverse CityOperating Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from June 5, 2025 - October 25, 2025 BOS - TVC Flight #1263 TVC- BOS Flight #1264 9:40 AM - 11:56 AM 12:45 PM - 2:47 PM Flights to Traverse City will operate on JetBlue's spacious A220 aircraft, offering customers JetBlue's award-winning service, fast and free Fly-Fi®, seatback entertainment at every seat, and complimentary snacks and drinks. 2 Book better with JetBlue To celebrate today's launch, and for a limited time, customers can take advantage of special $69 one-way fares for flights between Boston and Traverse City available online only on Customers who book directly through are guaranteed to find our lowest fares, and can enjoy additional benefits including access to all of JetBlue's fare options, as well as fare sales and promotions, some of which may not be available through other third parties; the ability to earn 2x TrueBlue points and participate in Points Pooling; seamless seat selections and upgrades to EvenMore® ; 24/7 direct access to JetBlue's customer service channels; and more. About JetBlue JetBlue is New York's Hometown Airline®, and a leading carrier in Boston, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, Los Angeles, Orlando and San Juan. JetBlue carries customers to more than 100 destinations throughout the United States, Latin America, Caribbean, Canada and Europe. For more information and the best fares, visit 1. Boston to Traverse City: One-way only. Book by 6/6/2025 for travel 6/15/2025 – 10/25/2025. Sunday travel only. Seven-day advance purchase City to Boston: One-way only. Book by 6/6/2025 for travel 6/19/2025 - 10/25/2025. Thursday, Saturday travel only. Blackout dates: 7/17/2025 - 8/16/2025. Seven-day advance purchase required. 2. Fly-Fi® and live television are available on all JetBlue-operated flights. Availability and coverage area may vary by aircraft. Details on inflight wi-fi and entertainment: View source version on Contacts JetBlue Corporate CommunicationsTel: +1.718.709.3089corpcomm@ Sign in to access your portfolio
