Brighton Foodland sell to Romeo Family

An award-winning supermarket in Adelaide’s south has announced new ownership, despite a retail giant offering a “significant amount” just last month.

A new dawn is upon a beloved supermarket after months of speculation the store could change hands to a retail giant.

On Wednesday, Brighton Foodland announced it would be officially retaining the store as a Foodland as they hand the reins over to the Romeo family.

“As many of you already know the Rugless Family are selling their businesses; Foodland, Cellarbrations & Ruggy’s Food & Wine,” the post read.

“The really big news is that the supermarket will continue on as a Foodland, with all the fantastic staff continuing to work here.

Brighton Foodland has been sold to the Romeo family. Picture: Facebook / Brighton Foodland

“Plus we are excited to announce that the successful Romeo family will take over the reigns from the Rugless family.

“You won’t see any changes at all, same great friendly staff, great fresh foods and a great place to shop.”

Just last month, The Advertiser understands the seaside store received offers from Coles and Metcash, leaving loyal shoppers in a frenzy.

“I shop there regularly and often because it’s SA owned an promotes SA products … I hope that this is not true,” on user wrote.

Metcash Food chief executive Grant Ramage said they were working through all options to protect the store for local shoppers.

“We have been made aware by the retailer of their intention to sell Brighton Foodland to one of the chains, and we are doing everything we can to keep this fantastic store in the hands of independent retailers,” Mr Ramage said.

“Foodland is a loved brand and integral to the South Australian economy.

“Our stores provide a highly differentiated offer to the large chains and are extremely valuable to the local communities in which they operate.

“We believe this is another example of a creeping acquisition that hurts competition in the Australian supermarket industry, and the loss of this store to a large chain would have a significant impact on the local area.”

The precinct underwent a major multimillion-dollar renovation back in 2017 that saw the Foodland turn into a premier destination for shoppers to support local products as well welcoming a number of specialty stores under one roof.

It is expected the handover will occur in the coming months.