Rival Market Offers Job to Fired Market Basket CEO Arthur T. Demoulas

EAST BRIDGEWATER (WBSM) — He was only just fired on Tuesday, but former Market Basket CEO Arthur T. Demoulas could already have his next job lined up if he wants it.

Crocetti’s Offers a Role

In a tongue-in-cheek post to its Facebook page, East Bridgewater butcher shop and market Crocetti’s has offered to hire “Artie T,” although it’s uncertain if it’s a lateral move or if he has to start at the bottom as a bagger. The post only mentions “an opening,” although it certainly sounds like the top job.

“We would LOVE to open more stores and learn from the Supermarket GURU himself. We are PEOPLE OVER PROFIT here at Crocetti’s…FAMILY FIRST,” Crocetti’s posted, referencing some of the tag lines of Market Basket under Demoulas’ leadership.

The Firing at Market Basket

Demoulas was removed from his position as CEO of Market Basket on Tuesday following a unanimous vote by the company’s Board of Directors, which includes Demoulas’s sisters. The firing came after a failed attempt at settling the dispute between Demoulas and board through mediation.

READ MORE: Market Basket Meltdown Escalates on the SouthCoast

Board members claimed that Demoulas had been operating on his own and was not consulting the board on decisions, and fought against its attempts at oversight. The board members claimed he also was not forthcoming with budget or spending figures and that he had made a plan to install his children as his successors without the involvement of the board.

Why Crocetti’s Could Be a Fit

While it might seem like a dubious position to hire someone accused of all of that to run your own company, apparently Crocetti’s – if the offer is indeed serious – is basing the job offer more on the decades of leadership and growth “Artie T” brought to the Market Basket brand.

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A Historic Market Legacy

Crocetti’s Market first opened for business in 1917, the same year that Athanasios and Efrosini Demoulas opened their first market in Lowell. That eventually became DeMoulas Super Markets, which was later rebranded as Market Basket beginning in 1975.

What’s Next for Demoulas?

While Arthur T. Demoulas is likely to keep fighting for his opportunity to remain at the helm of his family’s business, at least he could have a fallback plan in East Bridgewater.

“Either way, we wish you well,” Crocetti’s wrote.