FMI Names 2026 Store Manager Awards Winners

ARLINGTON, Va. — FMI – The Food Industry Association – has announced the recipients of the 2026 Store Manager Awards, recognizing exemplary food retail store managers who demonstrate operational excellence, team leadership, customer service, innovation and meaningful community impact. The 2026 awards program recognized four category winners and one People’s Pick recipient from among 12 finalists and more than 110 nominations.

“Store managers are essential leaders in the food industry, combining business savvy, customer service, and social skills to create a store environment where the local community finds the food they want and the connections they seek,” said Leslie G. Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI. “This year’s Store Manager Awards winners show us what exceptional leadership looks like in action and their stories remind us that food retail is not just managing supply chains and maintaining an attractive storefront; it’s a business of caring for people and serving a community. FMI is proud to celebrate these remarkable leaders and the profound impact they make across our industry and in their neighborhoods.”

Please join us in congratulating the 2026 Store Manager Awards recipients: 

• Category A: James Hensel, Oregon Dairy, Lititz, Pennsylvania
• Category B: Wei Zheng, 99 Ranch Market, part of the TAWA Services Inc, Chandler, Arizona
• Category C: Mark Ferrari, QFC/The Kroger Family of Companies, Bothell, Washington
• Category D: Kanchan Rijal, SPAR EXPRESS Paceville, St. Julians, Malta

FMI also announced Mark Ferrari of QFC/The Kroger Family of Companies as the 2026 People’s Pick recipient. Ferrari earned more than 10,000 votes out of more than 16,700 total votes cast in the online competition, reflecting strong support from associates, customers and community members.

The Store Manager Awards are made possible with the support of presenting sponsor, The Coca-Cola Company. FMI appreciates The Coca-Cola Company’s continued partnership in recognizing store managers whose leadership helps feed families, inspire teams and support communities.

For more information about the Store Manager Awards, visit FMI Store Manager Awards.