Robert Taylor announced he will retire from the position of CEO of United Supermarkets, LLC, on March 1, 2021, and Sidney Hopper, president of United Supermarkets, will assume all of the responsibilities of the CEO. Taylor will continue in an advisory role for the company as Executive Vice-President/Senior Advisor.
“I have been working for, or with, this great company for 51 years, and I am ready to have a little more flexible time to spend with my wife Jan and our kids and grandkids,” Taylor said in a video released to team members today. The footprint of the company more than doubled to 96 stores during Taylor’s tenure as CEO, with a large expansion of its self-distribution center, and the acquisition of a manufacturing facility and ice plant.
In 1971, Taylor began operating his father’s wholesale tobacco and candy business, R.C Taylor Wholesale, after his father became seriously ill, and the company flourished under Taylor’s leadership. In July 2007, Taylor sold R.C. Taylor Wholesale to one of his largest customers, United Supermarkets, and joined United’s leadership team as vice president of logistics. In 2010, Taylor was named CEO of United Supermarkets, which was subsequently purchased by Albertson’s LLC in 2014.
In his new role, Taylor will continue spearheading the United Food & Beverage Services. The newest venture of United Supermarkets was recently formed to provide banquet services, concessions, and operate the “Rave On” restaurant in Buddy Holly Hall, a $153 million privately-funded entertainment and education venue opening in Lubbock this month. He will continue to serve on the executive team with involvement in government relations, real estate, innovation and special projects.
“It is hard to quantify all Robert has brought to this company,” said Sidney Hopper, speaking of his friend and mentor. “Robert is an innovator, and he invests in developing people and communities.” “There are few things that have happened in our company over the last 13 years that don’t carry Robert’s fingerprints. He is an ardent community supporter and models that value for all the leadership in stores and facilities across the 54 communities we serve.”
About United Supermarkets
In its 105th year of operation, United Supermarkets, LLC – d.b.a. The United Family – is a Texas-based grocery chain with stores in 54 communities in Texas and New Mexico. A self-distributing company with headquarters and distribution centers in Lubbock, The United Family currently operates 96 stores under five unique banners: United Supermarkets, Market Street, Amigos, Albertsons Market and United Express, along with ancillary operations R.C. Taylor Distributing, Praters, United Food and Beverage Services and Llano Logistics. The company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Albertsons Companies,
