Dearborn Market In Holmdel Sold

Dearborn Market in Holmdel has been purchased by the Saker family, which operates ShopRite stores across New Jersey.

“The Sakers plan to grow the business while maintaining the distinctive red barn specialty food market, garden center and retail farm located on Highway 35,’’ a news release announcing the purchase said. “The Luccarellis will stay on to manage Dearborn Market and the highly valued associates who work there have been invited to join the Saker organization and remain at Dearborn.”

According to the news release:

The Saker family began operating grocery stores in 1916 in Freehold. The business grew from a small mom and pop shop to 29 ShopRite stores and two ShopRite liquor stores in New Jersey.

“Little will change at Dearborn Market, where we intend to maintain everything customers love about the market – including the Dearborn name. We also love the traditions, recipes and people of Dearborn and are proud to add Dearborn to our family of stores,” Richard Saker, president and CEO of Saker ShopRites, said in a prepared statement. “Both the Saker and Luccarelli families have a history and background in fine groceries and delicious prepared foods, and we think this is a great way to pass the baton from one local, family­-owned business to another.”

Dearborn Farms was founded in 1925 by Frank Luccarelli who grew fruits and vegetables, then sold them in New York City markets.

His son, Dominick Luccarelli, took over in 1955 and moved the business to its current Route 35 location. In 1982, the family built the red barn and garden center.

Dominick’s sons and daughter, and their children represent the fourth generation of the family business.

Dearborn Market’s annual apple festival and other community events will continue.

“We have a sign in our office that reads, ‘The Family Tradition Continues,’ and that’s very true in this case. We wanted to make sure our Dearborn Market was in good hands for the future and we know we’ve made the right choice with the Saker family. This allows our market to move forward with a fantastic future,” Frank Luccarelli said in a prepared statement.

Patch file photo