Big Y in the News
Big Y Foods, Inc. is one of the largest independently owned supermarket chains in New England. Big Y operates 84 locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut including 70 supermarkets, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors and 13 Big Y Express gas and convenience locations with almost 12,000 employees. Big Y has been recognized by Forbes as a Best-in-State Employer in Massachusetts and Connecticut, as well as Employer of Choice by the Employers Association of the Northeast. Founded in 1936 by brothers Paul and Gerald D'Amour, the store was named after an intersection in Chicopee, Massachusetts where two roads converge to form a "Y".
Big Y in the News contains excerpts from press releases that have been sent to local media.
Megan Moriarty
Norm Vernadakis
Big Y Appoints New Director of Meat & Seafood
SPRINGFIELD, MA (July 31, 2024) – The Board of Directors of Big Y Foods, Inc. is pleased to announce the following changes to their Sales team. Norm E. Vernadakis, director of meat & seafood is retiring, and Megan L. Moriarty will be appointed to the same role.
After 39 years of leadership in the meat and seafood industry, Norm E. Vernadakis is retiring on August 1st. He started his Big Y journey in 1985 as a meat cutter and has held many positions such as meat and seafood manager, merchandiser/trainer and director of deli, bakery & kitchen. Vernadakis’ contributions helped to build the company’s new fresh foods strategy.
“Norm has dedicated his career to his passion for learning and passing his knowledge on to others,” said John Fraro, senior director of fresh foods. “We will miss his guidance and direction,” he added.
Moriarty started her career with Big Y in 2015 as a store director. In 2017 she became floral sales manager and then seafood sales manager. Moriarty served as meat and sales manager for the past year before her new appointment, director of meat and seafood. In addition, she participated in the Big Y’s Women L.E.A.D. program, an employee resource group focused on personal and professional development. Prior to Big Y, Moriarty worked in retail operations for over 20 years and attended Penn State College. In 2020 she was named Top Women in Grocery by Progressive Grocer and in 2021 was the recipient of the Food Retail Leader Certificate from The Food Industry Association. Moriarty lives in Westfield, Ma with her fiancé, Chris and enjoys reading and travel.
“Megan’s visionary leadership, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment have earned her this significant advancement,” said John Fraro, senior director of fresh foods. “I’m confident she will bring innovative solutions and drive continued success in this new role,” he added.