Olsrud Family to Sell Sherm's Markets and Grocery Stores

The Olsrud family, which has owned and operated Sherm's Markets since 1967, is planning to sell the company, including its four Southern Oregon grocery stores and warehouse. The chain was founded by Sherm and Wanda Olsrud, who opened their first store, Sherm's Thunderbird Market, in West Medford. It expanded to Klamath Falls in 1974 and added a Food 4 Less location in Medford in 1985. In April 2000, the company purchased the struggling Food World in Roseburg, keeping much of the original staff and converting it to a 24-hour warehouse-style operation. The decision to sell follows the passing of both founders, Sherman in 2019 and Wanda, who died in late December at the age of 100. Their eldest son Steve, who has led the company in recent years, has been working on a succession plan. It is important to note that a sale of the company does not necessarily mean store closures. The future of individual locations, including the Roseburg store, will depend on who acquires the business and what plans they have going forward. The Olsrud family has been a major supporter of communities across Southern Oregon for decades. In Douglas County, the company has donated to the YMCA, Music on the Half Shell, CASA, United Community Action Network, Wildlife Safari, and other local organizations. The family is also well known for donating tens of thousands of pounds of food to regional food banks each year and gave $12 million to the Asante Foundation in 2022 for the Olsrud Women's and Children's Hospital. The company employs more than 600 people across its locations, and is known for the loyalty and longevity of its staff. Photo by Abraham Finlay ——————————————- A message from Bob Ames, General Manager: “Message to our customers. Sherm’s would like to confirm that our stores are up for sale. Our goal is to find that right partner that will keep the stores operating just as they have for many years. Serving the community and taking good care of our 500 plus employees. Steve Olsrud, who has run the company for almost 30 years, is 78 years old and has chosen to work on this succession plan to try and accomplish this. Steve’s desire is to keep the company operating in the same manner it has been operating for many years. We plan on this company being around for many years. We love this community and appreciate how very good you have been to us. The generations of families who have done business with us have just been amazing and is very much appreciated. Per Steve Olsrud it is business as usual. Go Sherm’s Sincerely, Bob Ames General Manager Sherm’s Thunderbird Markets, Inc.”