Stew Leonard's named Jake Tavello chief operating officer, Wednesday.
Tavello joined Stew Leonard's in 2003 while still in high school and has served as VP of stores since 2020. In this role, he has managed company-wide technology initiatives and sales opportunities. As COO he will oversee product quality and freshness, customer service, and employee development.
Tavello is the grandson of store founder Stew Leonard and a nephew of the company's current president and CEO, Stew Leonard Jr.
“Since joining the family business, Jake has not only earned my respect but the respect of his peers at Stew's,” said Leonard Jr. in a statement. “He works hard and not only has the best interests of Stew Leonard's at heart, but he also really wants to grow and develop our Team Members.”
After working for three years at Wegmans, Tavello returned to Stew Leonard's in 2015 as store director at the company's Danbury location and launched Instacart at Stew's. He then went on to serve as the opening VP of Stew Leonard's in Paramus before his promotion to VP of stores.
“I'm excited to be part of the team leading our family business into the next generation and I hope to continue my family's commitment to creating happy Team Members and happy customers at Stew Leonard's,” said Tavello.
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