Artie T., Market Basket back in business

Arthur T. Demoulas

ROCHESTER - When Rochester Market Basket store Director Chris Sturzo arrived at work today a hand-written note had been scribbled on the store chalkboard where specials are usually noted.

It read, “Welcome back Mr. Demoulas. Thank you Artie.T.”

It was a sign that Market Basket is back under formerly ousted CEO Arthur T. Demoulas after an epic six-week battle between him and a rival faction headed by his cousin, Arthur S., that almost brought the regional supermarket giant to its knees.

The $1.5 billion agreement, approved late last night, means Artie. T. will have total control of the chain founded by his grandparents a century ago. The deal includes the outright purchase of all 71 Market Basket stores in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine.

Now, for Sturzo, the business is all about getting “The Basket” up to speed as soon as possible.

Sturzo said part-timers are being called back in to work “as we speak.”

He said perishables like fruits, vegetables and seafood may not be in until the weekend or early next week, but trucks will be delivering some today and customers are urged to return.

Artie T. will take the reins immediately while a final sale is drawn up, which could take a few months, Sturzo said.

"The shareholders and the company would like to thank Market Basket customers and partners for their strong support through the years," Artie T. said in a statement. "Our shared goal is to return Market Basket to the supermarket that its customers have come to rely on for service, quality and best prices."

Keith O. Cowan, chairman of the Board of Demoulas Super Markets, Inc., issued the following statement late Wednesday night:

"Governor Patrick and Governor Hassan worked tirelessly and creatively to help shareholders find solutions that brought them together to reach agreement. The entire board appreciates their time and level of attention. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of New Hampshire should understand that the governors' commitment and engagement made a significant difference."

The employee website We Are Market Basket last night posted, "Tonight we raise a glass to Artie T and each other as we have achieved the most improbable of upsets. Tomorrow we go to work and never, in the history of people going to work, will so many people be so happy to punch the clock.

"To our customers... words will never be able to express our appreciation of what you have accomplished. You are the lifeblood of who we are and we are eternally thankful to you," the employees’ site said. "Please understand that we will be working around the clock to get every department in every store back up to speed and once we do, we will be better than ever."

“Tell the customers to come back today,” Sturzo told The Lebanon Voice. “I want to thank each and every one of them.”

He said the mood at the store this morning is one of sheer joy.

“We’re all excited, very happy,” he said. “We’re still pinching ourselves, but we’re 100 percent sure; it’s all going through.”