Leonardtown, MD – Food Lion has named Jon Hardesty, store manager of the Leonardtown location, as its 2024 Ralph W. Ketner Store Manager Excellence Award winner. Hardesty, who was also recognized as the Northern Division Store Manager of the Year, was selected from over 1,100 store managers across the company’s 10-state operating area.
The prestigious Ralph W. Ketner Store Manager Excellence Award, named after one of Food Lion’s founders, honors store managers who demonstrate outstanding leadership while enriching the lives of customers, employees, and the communities they serve.
A Leader in the Store and Community
Hardesty, who has been with Food Lion since 2005, leads a team of 160 associates at the store located at 40955 Merchant Lane in Leonardtown, Maryland. He emphasizes respect, professional development, and exceptional customer service as the cornerstones of a successful store. Beyond daily operations, Hardesty and his team actively support various community organizations in Leonardtown.
In recognition of his leadership and community impact, Food Lion will donate 20,000 meals in Hardesty’s name to Leonardtown Church of the Nazarene Outreach Ministry through the retailer’s hunger-relief initiative, Food Lion Feeds.
“This honor truly reflects the incredible team I have the privilege of working with each day,” Hardesty said. “I am honored to receive this award and grateful to be part of an organization that values community, integrity, and professional growth.”
Recognizing Excellence Across Food Lion
Along with Hardesty, Food Lion recognized four other divisional winners for their exceptional leadership and contributions:
- Mid-Atlantic Division: Josh Carver – Roxboro, NC
- Southern Division: Alex Clever – Spartanburg, SC
- Central Division: Toby Pentecost – Scottsville, KY
- Richmond/Norfolk Division: Christian Dendy – Elizabeth City, NC
“Store managers are the heartbeat of Food Lion,” said Meg Ham, president of Food Lion. “They are accountable for delivering executional excellence in operating great grocery stores. Jon has done just that and made a positive impact on the lives of associates and customers by creating an environment where everyone is welcomed and appreciated.”
A Passion for Service
Kristen Riley, vice president of Food Lion’s Northern Division, praised Hardesty’s leadership, stating, “Jon’s recognition as Store Manager of the Year is a testament to his passion for his associates, customers, and for Food Lion. His associates are equally dedicated to the mission of nourishing their neighbors, and that commitment is demonstrated in how they serve customers, help decrease food insecurity, and take care of their community every day.”
The annual Store Manager Excellence Awards recognize Food Lion store managers who successfully lead their business while inspiring and supporting their teams. All five honorees have been celebrated for their dedication to providing outstanding customer service, fostering positive workplace environments, and making a lasting difference in their communities.
