WOOSTER — The Ohio Grocers Association (OGA) presented its prestigious hall of fame award to Dan Shanahan, president and chief executive officer of Buehler’s Fresh Foods, on Friday, Oct. 29. During the ceremony, Shanahan took the occasion to announce his retirement effective on Dec. 31. He will continue in his role as board chairman and will be announcing a successor to the CEO position shortly.
Shanahan has led the Ohio based Buehler’s chain since 2011, participating in a management buy-out and forming an ESOP in 2017. He began his career as a single store operator for a family run Tops in Buffalo, New York, before moving on as a vice president in the Tops chain. He was a key person behind the food retail expansion into Asia opening the first Ahold Supermarket in Asia in 1996 and serving as country manager for Ahold joint ventures in Singapore and Malaysia. Returning from Asia he partnered with the Nanula family and BRS & Co. to buy the Buffalo based Wilson Farms/Sugar Creek convenience store chain. The group sold the chain to 7-Eleven in 2011.
Shanahan earned an MBA from Canisius’ Richard J. Wehle school of business, receiving the Prentice Hall outstanding student award, finishing first in his class and being inducted into the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society. He has served on the Board of the New York Association of Convenience Stores, the Ohio Grocers Association, the National Grocers Association and the Wooster Chamber of Commerce.
The OGA Hall Of Fame is comprised of individuals who have dedicated their lives and years of service to Ohio’s food industry. Inductees to the hall of fame are nominated by fellow OGA members and approved by a nominating committee. Shanahan has been recognized for his tireless work not only within the food industry, but also the communities served by Buehler’s Fresh Foods.
“The Hall Of Fame award is the summit of personal achievement for our industry leaders,” said Kristin Mullins, President/CEO of the Ohio Grocers Association. “It recognizes those individuals who constantly represent the best of the industry – in their personal and professional lives. These are people not only dedicated to their craft, but also to others, and Dan is a perfect example of that service and commitment. We are honored to induct Dan Shanahan to the Ohio Grocers Hall Of Fame.”
The Ohio Grocers Hall Of Fame was started in 2000 to honor industry leaders. To date, there are 40 inductees. In addition to receiving the crystal award at the presentation, Shanahan also received a Proclamation from the Ohio House of Representatives, and special recognition on the Ohio Grocers Association website.
Buehler’s Fresh Foods was founded in 1929 by E.L. Buehler and his wife, Helen. In 2017, Buehler’s went through a management buyout and formed an ESOP. Buehler’s operates 14 supermarkets, seven liquor agencies, outside catering, coffee shops and a food truck named Ferris. Buehler’s is proud to be recently Certified by Great Place to Work.
