Family Express and Leo’s Market & Eatery have announced a new partnership, under which Family Express will assume operations of Leo’s Market & Eatery locations in suburban Indianapolis and Lafayette, Ind., while Leo’s will “prioritize its focus on expanding its food program and commissary operations, continuing to develop Leo’s Eatery as a standalone food-focused concept,” the companies noted in a statement.
As part of the partnership, Leo’s will continue producing and supplying its kolaches and other fresh food offerings to the transitioning Leo’s locations, as well as Family Express stores throughout Indiana. The partnership will significantly expand the reach of Leo’s food platform, bringing its kolaches, sandwiches, salads, grab-and-go offerings and other prepared foods to Family Express’ approximately 90 existing locations.
Through this partnership, the statement continued, both organizations believe they can accelerate growth while bringing high-quality fresh food offerings to more customers throughout the state.
“This partnership allows both organizations to focus on what they do best,” said Stephanie White-Longworth, owner and president of Leo’s Market & Eatery. “Over the past several years, our team has worked tirelessly to develop a customer-centric food concept centered around freshness, quality and convenience. This agreement creates a unique opportunity to preserve and enhance our Central Commissary while allowing us to focus on the continued development and expansion of Leo’s Eatery as a standalone concept. Equally important, the trust and respect that has developed between our organizations over many years has made Family Express the right partner for our team, our customers, and our communities.”
“We are excited to partner with the Leo’s Market & Eatery team,” said Gus Olympidis, president and CEO of Family Express. “Leo’s has built an impressive portfolio of high-quality stores, along with an exceptional food program, and its kolaches have become a beloved part of the brand’s legacy. We look forward to building upon that strong foundation, bringing Leo’s signature products to even more customers throughout Indiana, and continuing the strong relationships Leo’s has established in its communities. This partnership strengthens our presence in the Indianapolis market, enhances our growing portfolio and creates exciting opportunities for future growth.”
The agreement complements Family Express’ broader growth strategy across Indiana. Earlier this year, Family Express announced plans to invest approximately $100 million in new store development throughout the state.
This agreement is “separate from and additive to that initiative, further strengthening Family Express’ presence in key Indiana markets while creating new opportunities to expand Leo’s fresh food platform,” the companies wrote.
“I’m incredibly proud of what our team has built over the last several years,” White-Longworth added. “Family Express recognized the value of our people, our food program, and the relationships we’ve developed in our communities, and that meant a lot to us. We couldn’t ask for a better partner to help carry that legacy forward while we focus on growing the next chapter of Leo’s.”
The transaction is expected to close later this fall, subject to customary closing conditions.
