Samuel Alden, store leader for Fry’s Food Stores and a Glendale resident, is a GenNext honoree from Progressive Grocer Magazine, a national food retailer publication.

Alden is the only local Fry’s leader to receive the national award recognizing grocer leaders under 40 who have made an impact on their colleagues, companies and communities, and are using their skills to transform the industry, according to a press release.

Samuel serves as the store leader at the Fry’s on 107th Avenue and Indian School Road in Avondale where he oversees 150 associates.

After starting out as an assistant overnight grocery manager and spending nearly 15 years with Fry’s, Alden is one of the company’s most inspiring young leaders, the press release notes. He became a store leader in 2020 and has used his innovative approach to connect with people to uplift his stores.

Around Fry’s, Alden is known for his “retail-tainment” events created to generate in-store excitement for customers and the surrounding community featuring live music, art shows and food sampling.

“I am honored to be recognized on the national stage for my work in the grocery industry,” Alden stated. “I feel privileged to work for a company who truly believes in core values and empowers their leaders to strive for excellence; it truly is an amazing experience.”

Alden hosts school field trips, networks with surrounding businesses, and currently serves as the chair of Fry’s Young Professionals Associates Resource Group to help other young store leaders achieve success.

“Samuel is well deserving of this award,” Michelle Burton, Fry’s Food Stores district manager, stated. “He has a strong connection to his associates and supports them in every way possible.”