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