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Dean Nelson has announced that he has sold his four natural foods stores that include locations in Ocean Township and Shrewsbury. 

“After nearly 26 years, Loretta and I have decided to step away from Dean’s,” said Nelson (above) in a Facebook post today announcing the sale. “Dean’s will be acquired by family operators of organic and natural food stores in New York. What attracted them to Dean’s is our deep commitment to community, our environment and the natural and organic way of life.”

Nelson said the new owners — who were not named in the post — will continue to operate Dean’s with similar priorities. 

“They stand committed to continue our legacy and commitment to make a difference,” he said.  “They are also committed to you, our customers. I believe under their ownership, the future is bright. I will remain on as both an advisor and loyal customer.”

Dean’s also operates stores in Basking Ridge and Chester.

The following is the full text of Nelson’s statement: 

Farewell and thank you.

After nearly 26 years, Loretta and I have decided to step away from Dean’s. Dean’s will be acquired by family operators of organic and natural food stores in New York. What attracted them to Dean’s is our deep commitment to community, our environment and the natural and organic way of life. They stand committed to continue our legacy and commitment to make a difference. They are also committed to you, our customers. I believe under their ownership, the future is bright. I will remain on as both an advisor and loyal customer.

On a personal note, how can I ever express my gratitude to all of you for joining me on an amazing journey. I have learned so much from so many of you. You have inspired me beyond any expression. You have humbled me by your loyalty, support, and commitment to organic foods, and preserving our planet. I have met so many amazing people along the way. I wish I could acknowledge you all in person. You all deserve to be recognized as the amazing people you are. People that believe in something, fight for change and support those who align with you. How tremendously humbling. You have let me into your lives and so many of you have cared about mine and my family’s life. That’s really what matters, caring for one another.

The vision 26 years ago was to strive to be different, to create an environment that was warm, welcoming & driven by a selfless desire to serve. We wanted to be a place where social, racial and religious diversity was celebrated. The goal was to acknowledge individuals for who they are, regardless of their beliefs and preferences. The goal was to have integrity and commitment to what we believed was right and to not compromise that for anything, not money or success. 

You will always remain in our hearts. I will always be humbled and grateful to have served you. My wish for each of you is to have peace in your hearts, and that you acknowledge and cherish yourselves as the amazing people you are.

My wish is that you continue to support Dean’s as well as other local family-owned businesses in our community. We are all neighbors so let’s support one another.

With gratitude and humility,

Dean

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