Dave’s owner named IGA’s top grocer

By TIM FORSBERG
Posted 1/15/25

David Cesario , owner of Dave’s Fresh Marketplace, has b een named the 2 025 USA Retailer of the Year by the Independent Grocers Alliance .

This prestigious honor recognizes …

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Dave’s owner named IGA’s top grocer

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David Cesario, owner of Dave’s Fresh Marketplace, has been named the 2025 USA Retailer of the Year by the Independent Grocers Alliance.

This prestigious honor recognizes Cesario’s leadership, dedication to the community and excellence in the grocery industry.

The Retailer of the Year award is the highest distinction IGA bestows upon its members, highlighting independent grocers who demonstrate remarkable service and innovation in their communities. John Ross, IGA’s CEO, emphasized the importance of this honor.

“It is our highest award, and in the United States there are 2,200 IGA stores. Worldwide, there are 6,600 IGA stores. Only eight of these awards will be given out, and Dave’s has already won our big award,” Ross explained. “We consider the Retailer of the Year to be the most prestigious thing that an independent grocer can win. It’s the best of the best markets, not just in the United States, but worldwide.”

Cesario humbly credits the award to the 1,600 employees who are the backbone of his operation.

“My name is David. This is Dave’s. It’s just me, it’s a name. Dave’s Market is about the people,” Cesario said. “They gave me the award. It’s a great honor, but I have to be humble, and I have to share it with them because they’re the ones that earned it with me.”

Ross explained the critical role independent grocers like Dave’s Fresh Marketplace play in their communities.

“Independent stores do what the big chains can’t. Big chains are all about scale, efficiency and homogenous retailing,” Ross said. “Local chains are exactly the opposite – they can connect with all these incredible local vendors. The money the shoppers give them stays in the community, with farmers, honey producers, ranchers and all the associates they hire. But even more than that, they’re mega-employers, and those employees who start as teens often go on to executive roles in the grocery industry.”

Cesario will be honored at the IGA Awards of Excellence Ceremony on Feb. 24 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Since starting with a single truck selling fresh produce on a Warwick street corner in 1969, Cesario has built 10 unique grocery stores in seven Rhode Island communities. Serving more than 140,000 customers weekly, Dave’s Fresh Marketplace is the largest independent grocer in the state.

“I never thought we’d get this big. It would never have happened without the people who kept returning to shop and kept working here,” Cesario reflected.

Susan Budlong, director of communications and marketing at Dave’s Fresh Marketplace, emphasized the collective effort behind the store’s success.

“It started with him, and it started with that culture that he created and manifested,” she said, sharing memories that reflect Cesario’s kindness and generosity. “Over the years, all the conversations I’ve had with people who have said, ‘I remember Dave when …’ and it always comes back to he helped me, he gave to me, he gave someone a job.’

Cesario’s philosophy of treating employees and customers with respect has been key to his success.

“Treat them like human beings, let them do their jobs. For my customers, my philosophy has always been to give thirteen to a dozen and seventeen ounces to the pound and make people happy,” Cesario said.

Ross praised Dave’s Fresh Marketplace for its innovative approach.

“If you walk around this store, it’s all about freshness, it’s about innovation, it’s about making the food look heroic, and it’s about authority in food,” Ross said. “It’s exciting to come in hereit makes you hungry.”

Beyond business, Cesario’s generosity and dedication to communities have left its mark.

“A lot of people are in need. A lot of people need things that they don’t have. Whatever we can give, we can. Even if you don’t have money, I’d rather you come in and tell me you don’t have any money. I’d give it to you rather than have you steal it from us,” Cesario said.

While Cesario expressed gratitude to countless individuals, he emphasized the role his family has played.

“I can’t pick any single person out because there are so many people to thank. You don’t have enough room to write all the names of the people I want to thank. But on the top of my list would be my wife,” he added.

The Retailer of the Year honorees are also in contention for the IGA International Retailer of the Year award, which will be announced during the Las Vegas ceremony. For more information about Dave’s Fresh Marketplace and the Independent Grocers Alliance, visit www.iga.com.

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