Ninety associates have been with Joseph Family Markets, owner of ShopRite in West Hartford and Canton, since the beginning.

The Joseph family (Chuck Jr., Debbie, Chuck III and Liz) pose for a group photo of all 90 associates who have been with the Joseph Family Markets from the beginning. Submitted photo

Submitted by Carrie Titolo, Joseph Family Markets

In 2010, when Chuck Joseph packed up his daughter’s Volvo station wagon and embarked for West Hartford, CT, he couldn’t have imagined the journey ahead. Instead of winding down his more than 30-year career in the grocery industry and retiring, Joseph had just purchased two ShopRite stores that needed to be remodeled, staffed and stocked in a matter of weeks. He and his wife Debbie, son Chuck and daughter Liz were up for the challenge, and five years later, Joseph Family Markets and the ShopRites of West Hartford and Canton are celebrating their five year anniversary and the many people who helped them arrive at this milestone.

The Joseph family (Chuck Jr., Chuck III, Debbie and Liz) presented each original associate with a certificate, pin and jacket to commemorate the occasion. Submitted photo

Once the decision was made to purchase the stores, Joseph and his son had a brainstorming session in the basement of their New Jersey home to pen their new company’s mission and vision. Five years later, the original Joseph Family Markets mission still stands: to positively impact its associates, customers and community while upholding its core values of integrity, self realization, family, service, enjoyment and sustainability.

In order to honor this mission and thank the more than 90 associates (the company currently employs more than 360) who have been with the company since its inception, the Joseph family held a Service Awards and Appreciation Luncheon at the Pond House. The family spoke about each associate, handed out certificates, pins and jackets for the select group that started with them from the company’s beginning.

The Bakery team crafted a special cake just for the occasion. Submitted photo

“We are so proud and thankful for all of our associates, but especially to those who have been with Joseph Family Markets since the beginning. People are at the foundation of a business, and we couldn’t do what we do every day without them,” said Chuck Joseph, owner of Joseph Family Markets. “Today, we celebrate how far we’ve come, and tomorrow, we get to work on our future. I can’t wait to see what the next five years have in store.”