Phoenix, February 6, 2026
Fry’s Food Stores has appointed Ken DeLuca as the new president, marking a significant leadership change for Arizona’s largest grocer. DeLuca, previously president of Kroger’s Michigan Division, is set to lead the company’s operations and drive innovation in the competitive grocery market. This leadership transition is expected to enhance customer experience and further integrate the grocer into the local community, fostering economic growth and partnership with local businesses in the Phoenix area.
Phoenix, Arizona Grocer Taps New Leader for Growth
A significant leadership change is underway at Fry’s Food Stores, Arizona’s largest grocer, as a seasoned executive from Kroger’s Michigan Division steps into the role of president. This transition marks a new chapter for a company deeply embedded in the state’s economic landscape, highlighting the strategic decisions that drive business growth and community vitality within the Phoenix AZ business environment.
The appointment underscores the ongoing dynamism within the private sector, where strong leadership and a commitment to operational excellence are paramount for sustained success. Businesses like Fry’s, a division of Kroger, play a crucial role not only in providing essential services but also in fostering a robust economy through employment, local partnerships, and ongoing investment. The fresh perspective brought by new leadership can often catalyze innovation and efficiency, benefiting both consumers and the broader regional economy.
A New Era for Arizona’s Largest Grocer
Fry’s Food Stores, a prominent fixture across Arizona, has announced Ken DeLuca as its new president. DeLuca transitions to this pivotal role from his previous position as president of Kroger’s Michigan Division. This move, effective January 13, 2026, positions him to lead the extensive operations of Fry’s throughout the state. Prior to this appointment, Monica Garnes served as the president of Fry’s division, having taken on the leadership in 2018, and has since been appointed president of the Atlanta division.
DeLuca brings a wealth of experience, having commenced his 38-year career with Kroger in 1988 within the Michigan Division. His extensive background within the larger Kroger organization is anticipated to bring a comprehensive understanding of grocery retail dynamics to the Arizona market.
The Economic Footprint of Fry’s in Phoenix
As Arizona’s largest grocer, Fry’s Food Stores holds a substantial presence and impact across the state. The company operates 127 Arizona-based Fry’s Food Stores locations and its headquarters are in Tolleson, Arizona. Fry’s also operates under the banner of Fry’s Marketplace, offering a combination of groceries and general merchandise. The company is a division of Kroger, an American retail company.
Fry’s employs approximately 22,000 Arizona residents, making it a significant employer and a cornerstone of the Phoenix AZ business community. The continuity of strong leadership at such a large enterprise is vital for maintaining employment stability and contributing to the overall economic health of the region.
Leadership and Strategic Vision for Growth
The selection of a new president with a long tenure within the parent company suggests a focus on proven leadership and strategic continuity. DeLuca’s journey through various leadership positions within Kroger’s Michigan Division, including store manager, Labor Relations manager, and Operations district manager, indicates a deep understanding of retail operations at multiple levels. This experience can be instrumental in identifying efficiencies, embracing new technologies, and adapting to evolving consumer preferences in the competitive grocery market.
Effective leadership is crucial for driving innovation in a sector that directly impacts daily life. A fresh perspective at the helm can lead to initiatives that enhance customer experience, optimize supply chains, and further integrate the grocer into the fabric of the communities it serves. This proactive approach by large corporations is a testament to entrepreneurial thinking at scale.
Fostering Local Entrepreneurship and Opportunity
A thriving large business like Fry’s creates a ripple effect throughout the local economy, particularly for Phoenix small business and Arizona AZ entrepreneurs. A new president with a history of operational leadership may explore opportunities to strengthen relationships with local suppliers, farmers, and service providers. This can foster a beneficial ecosystem where local producers gain broader market access, and consumers benefit from fresh, locally sourced products.
The extensive network of Fry’s stores, encompassing 127 locations, presents substantial avenues for partnership and collaboration with local enterprises. Such collaborations are essential for stimulating regional economic growth and diversifying the local business landscape. When large businesses choose to invest in local supply chains, it directly supports job creation and bolsters the resilience of Arizona’s entrepreneurial spirit.
The Role of a Stable Business Environment
The strategic appointment of a new president highlights the importance of a stable and predictable business environment, which allows companies like Kroger to make long-term investment and leadership decisions for their divisions like Fry’s Food Stores. Policies that encourage private investment and limit unnecessary regulatory burdens are key to fostering an attractive climate for established corporations to flourish and for economic growth to accelerate.
When companies are confident in the local business conditions, they are more likely to commit resources, talent, and capital to their operations, which in turn creates more opportunities for individuals and smaller businesses. This symbiotic relationship between a supportive economic framework and robust private sector activity is fundamental to Phoenix’s continued prosperity.
Conclusion
The appointment of Ken DeLuca as the new president of Fry’s Food Stores marks a significant development for Arizona’s largest grocer and the broader Phoenix AZ business community. With a proven track record within Kroger, DeLuca is poised to lead Fry’s into a new era of continued service and potential innovation. This leadership transition underscores the vital role that major retailers play in sustaining and stimulating economic growth, creating opportunities for both individuals and Arizona AZ entrepreneurs. As Fry’s continues its operations with new leadership, its ongoing contributions to local employment, supply chains, and community engagement will remain a critical element of Phoenix’s economic success story. We encourage readers to support local businesses and stay engaged in Phoenix’s dynamic economic future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new president of Fry’s Food Stores?
The new president of Fry’s Food Stores is Ken DeLuca.
What was Ken DeLuca’s previous role?
Ken DeLuca was previously the president of Kroger’s Michigan Division.
When was Ken DeLuca’s appointment effective?
Ken DeLuca’s appointment as president of Fry’s Food Stores was effective on January 13, 2026.
Who was the previous president of Fry’s Food Stores?
The previous president of Fry’s Food Stores was Monica Garnes, who took the reins in 2018 and has since been appointed president of the Atlanta division.
How many Fry’s Food Stores locations are in Arizona?
Fry’s Food Stores operates 127 Arizona-based locations.
How many people does Fry’s Food Stores employ in Arizona?
Fry’s Food Stores employs approximately 22,000 Arizona residents.
Key Features of Fry’s Food Stores
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| New President | Ken DeLuca (previously from Kroger’s Michigan Division) | State-level |
| Previous President | Monica Garnes (appointed president of the Atlanta division) | State-level |
| Number of Locations | 127 Arizona-based stores | State-level |
| Number of Employees | Approximately 22,000 Arizona residents | State-level |
| Headquarters | Tolleson, Arizona | State-level |
| Parent Company | Kroger (American retail company) | Nationwide |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
