We Are Market Basket: The Story of the Unlikely Grassroots Movement That Saved a Beloved Business

What if a company were so treasured and trusted that people literally took to the streets – by the thousands – to save it? That company is Market Basket, a popular New England supermarket chain. After long-time, CEO Arthur T. Demoulas was ousted by his cousin Arthur S. Demoulas, the company’s managers and rank-and-file workers struck back.

Risking their own livelihoods to restore the job of their beloved boss they walked out, but they didn’t walk far. At huge protest rallies, they were joined by loyal customers – leaving stores empty. Suppliers and vendors stopped deliveries – rendering shelves bare. Politicians were forced to take sides. The national media and experts were stunned by the unprecedented defense of an executive. All openly challenged the Market Basket board of directors to make things right. And, in the end, they prevailed. With its arresting firsthand accounts from the streets and executive suites, We Are Market Basket is as inspiring as it is instructive.

What is it about Market Basket and its leader that provokes such ferocious loyalty? How does a company spread across three states maintain a culture that embraces everyone – from cashier to customer – as family? Can a company really become an industry leader by prioritizing stakeholders over shareholders?

Set against a backdrop of bad blood and corporate greed, We Are Market Basket is, above all, a page-turner that chronicles the epic rise, fall, and redemption of this iconic and uniquely American company.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 You’ve Never Met a Family Like This”
Chapter 2 They Caught the Supermarket Revolution”
Chapter 3 Learn the Business, Young Man”
Chapter 4 People First, Groceries Second”
Chapter 5 Blood Makes You Related, but Loyalty Makes You Family”
Chapter 6 You Do Whatever It Takes to Get the Job Done”
Chapter 7 We’re Not Normal”
Chapter 8 A Predetermined Assault”
Chapter 9 All In”
Chapter 10 Shut It Down”
Chapter 11 Stick Your Neck Out”
Chapter 12 Market Basket Strong”
Chapter 13 The Final Straw”
Chapter 14 Hostages”
Chapter 15 I Am in Awe of What You Have All Accomplished”
Chapter 16 Challenges Ahead
Chapter 17 Lessons

Appendix A: Arthur T. Spars with Arthur S. and Gerrard Levins in 2012
Appendix B: Arthur S. Spars with William Shea at Board Meeting in 2003
Appendix C: More Sparring at Board Meeting, June 25, 2003
Appendix D: Who Is Market Basket?