May 30, 2025
From D.C. to Staten Island: Advocating for Independent Grocers
Last week, ASG joined independent grocers from across the country in Washington, D.C. for the 2025 NGA Fly-In, meeting with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to advocate for critical industry priorities. Discussions focused on protecting the Supplemental...
About Us
Associated Supermarket Group provides retail solutions to independently owned grocery stores in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions, providing distribution, marketing, merchandising, promotional services, and store financing. A relationship with ASG allows independently owned and operated stores to take advantage of the economies of scale normally available only to larger supermarket chains. ASG’s supermarket banners include Associated, Associated Fresh, Compare, Compare Fresh, Met Foods, Met Fresh, Pioneer, and other independently named stores.
50+ Central Bill Vendors
60K+ SKUs Available
Competitive Financing
275+ Stores
70+ Years in the Market
Serving 8 States
80% of Stores in the NY Metro
$2.5B Retail Sales Network
370+ Avenue A Products
1,000+ International Products
Leadership Team
ASG’s experienced leadership team brings deep expertise across operations, merchandising, marketing, technology, and advocacy. Their diverse backgrounds drive a sharp understanding of market dynamics, empower family businesses, and foster entrepreneurial success.
Joe Garcia
Co-CEO & Co-President
Zulema Wiscovitch
Co-CEO & Co-President
Pema Tshering
Chief Financial Officer
Erin Tregarthen
General Counsel
Jonathan D'Onofrio
Executive Vice President of Operations
Ken Scher
SVP of Business Development
Michelle Mendoza
VP of Marketing & Customer Experience
Francisco Nieves
Senior Vice President of Sales
Ladwina Isaac
VP of Information Technology
Magda DeSimone
VP of Retail Technology
Why Join ASG?
ASG gives independent supermarkets the scale, resources, and flexibility of larger chains while preserving their independence with flexibility and freedom to meet their individual consumer and store needs. Whether opening new locations or upgrading existing stores, ASG delivers tailored services and technology for lasting success.
Experience exceptional customer service and retail solutions.
Access our powerful partners through central bill, and C&S Wholesale.
Explore our full business services: favorable financing, five ad plans, and Insider Deals.
Modernize your store with our technology: digital signs, Instacart, and loyalty programs.
Plan your next venture with our data-driven retail services team; new store setups, resets, and layouts.
Connect with your customers through our marketing and digital advertising services.
Our Supermarket Network
Retail Sales Network
Stores
Associated Supermarket Group (ASG) was founded in 1939 as Queens Food Dealers to support small, independent grocers. In 1954, the organization became Associated Food Stores, marking the start of its expansion. By 1987, the Compare Foods supermarket banner was added, further strengthening its presence in the industry.
In 2012, AUA Private Equity acquired Associated Food Stores, and by 2014, the company expanded its portfolio with the addition of Met Food and Pioneer supermarket banners. In 2015, ASG officially rebranded as Associated Supermarket Group (ASG), ushering in a new era of innovation. The company introduced its Avenue A private label in 2017 and launched the ASG Supermarket Academy in 2019 to support the growth of independent grocers.
In December 2020, ASG was acquired by its senior management team, Joe Garcia and Zulema Wiscovitch, further strengthening its commitment to independent supermarkets and expanding its services. Today, ASG proudly serves supermarkets across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic regions, providing the resources and expertise to help independent grocers compete and thrive in an ever-evolving market.
More about the networkDiscover Avenue A
Avenue A is ASG’s exclusive private label brand, crafted to reflect the vibrant diversity of the neighborhoods we serve.
Offering over 250 products — from pantry staples and frozen foods to household essentials — Avenue A delivers national brand quality at a value price.
Each item embodies the spirit of our communities, providing customers with trusted, affordable choices that resonate with their tastes and traditions.
Available at independent supermarkets throughout the ASG network, Avenue A brings the essence of local flavor to every aisle. Avenue A, your road to savings and quality.
More about the brand