A Scanton-based family grocer plans to buy the locally-owned Valley Farm Market on Stefko Boulevard in Bethlehem.
This will be Gerrity’s Supermarkets first store in the Lehigh Valley and its 10th location, Gerrity’s President and co-owner Joyce “Mom” Fasula announced in a news release. Terms of the sale, which is set to close Nov. 15, were not disclosed.
Gerrity’s says it is the largest family-owned and locally-owned supermarket in northeastern Pennsylvania. This is its first new supermarket location in more than 15 years. Gerrity’s in recent years opened three Ace Hardware locations and remodeled all of their supermarkets.
Valley Farm is currently owned by the Schummer family, who employ more than 140 people. Gerrity’s plans to hire another 50 full and part-time staff, including skilled positions like butchers, bakers, cooks and cake decorators, as well as clerks in every department. All current employees are eligible for Gerrity’s $500 new hire bonus.
The two families have been negotiating the sale for several months, with the Gerrity’s management team often stopping into the store.
“We have been very impressed by the friendliness of the workers, the quality of the perishables and the condition of the store,” Joyce Fasula said. “The store and the staff will fit very well into the Gerrity’s family.”
Erv and Patricia Schummer founded Valley Farm in 1971 when they opened their first store on Front Street in Allentown, and Erv also operated farm market stands as well, according to the store’s website. Erv grew the store in 1975 when he relocated to Fourth and Allen streets at the old Al’s Market, where he expanded his offerings to include meat, dairy and grocery items.
He sold off his farm market stands in 1977 to focus on his growing business. In 2004, Valley Farm moved from its Easton Avenue location to its current Stefko Boulevard store, replacing a former Laneco. Erv died in March of 2014, but his wife Patricia and children Eric and Jessica have run the family business since.
Valley Farm will retain its name on the building and Gerrity’s plans to make few major changes to the store as it is so well run, a news release states. Customers will find improved lighting, entryway equipment and pricing. A full remodel will begin in late 2022 or early 2923.
The Gerrity’s supermarket chain is owned by Joyce Fasula and her son, Joe. It employs 1,100 people across nine supermarkets, three Ace Hardware stores and a home office in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. It began in 1895 as a small meat market and became a supermarket in 1980. Gerrity’s is part of the Shursave Supermarkets marketing banner.
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Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com.
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Bethlehem’s Valley Farm Market to be sold to Scranton-based grocer - lehighvalleylive.com
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