 | This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "AJ's Fine Foods" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (August 2020) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
| Formerly | AJ Bayless |
|---|---|
| Industry | |
| Founded | 1930s |
| Founder | Arthur Joseph Bayless |
| Number of locations | 11 |
| Area served | Arizona, United States |
| Parent | Bashas' |
| Website | ajsfinefoods.com |
AJ's Fine Foods, formerly known as AJ Bayless, is a supermarket chain formerly headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. It was founded by Arthur Joseph Bayless in the 1930s.
History
The company went through a bankruptcy in the late 1980s. It was acquired by Bashas’ in 1993. Under Bashas' ownership, AJ's has positioned itself as an upscale gourmet and specialty grocery chain with each store located in affluent neighborhoods. The stores feature chef-prepared entrees, an extensive wine collection with trained cellar staff, and specialty baked goods.
Some locations in middle-class and blue-collar neighborhoods were converted to Bashas' Food City format.
References
- "A. J. Bayless, Grocery Store Founder, Dies". The Arizona Republic. March 5, 1967. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
- "Bayless Markets' new owner renames three stores Q-Fresh". Archived from the original on April 7, 2013. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
- ^ Gutekunst, John (April 21, 2015). "Bashas' being converted into Food City". Parker Pioneer. Retrieved July 31, 2020.