ROCKLAND, Mass. -- Tedeschi Food Shops Inc. has been honored as the 2013 Employer of the Year by Best Buddies of Massachusetts.
Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is among many local sports celebrities who partner with and support the efforts of the organization.
The group presented the award on Dec. 10 at the 2013 Evening of Opportunity event in Boston, noting that Tedeschi's is the largest employer to ever receive the award. The retail chain partnered with the Best Buddies Massachusetts Jobs Program to employ eight outstanding individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
"The opportunity that we are able to offer our Best Buddies pales in comparison to what they give back. They bring energy, excitement and passion to work, brightening the days for our employees and customers," said Peter Tedeschi, president of Tedeschi Food Shops.
Established in 1923 in Rockland, Mass., Tedeschi Food Shops is a family-owned and -operated convenience store chain with more than $600 million in annual revenue. The company operates 191 locations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. It offers a family of proprietary brands that includes TD's Deli and Tedeschi Fresh Foods, Tedeschi Select and Tedeschi Fuel.