The Fareway Grocery Store Story
May 10, 2019
Reynolds Cramer, CEO of Fareway Stores, Inc.
The Fareway Grocery Store Story

Cramer’s 34-year history with Fareway, dates back to when he began working in the Boone Fareway store at just 16 years old. During college, he moved and worked in the Decorah Fareway store in the meat department for three years. When speaking of this experience, Cramer explains, “I knew it would be important to understand all aspects of our business and why our meat departments are second to none.” 

After working in two stores as Assistant Manager he was promoted in 1997 to store manager in Des Moines. In 2000, he was promoted to District Supervisor at the corporate office in Boone, where he began working with different territories of stores. In 2008, he was elected to the Real Estate Committee, and has been instrumental in choosing the strategic placement of new Fareway locations. In 2009, Cramer was elected to the Board of Directors for Fareway, and in 2010 Cramer was promoted to Regional Vice President. In 2012, he was promoted to Executive Vice President in charge of all retail operations.

Cramer’s promotion to CEO for Fareway Stores Inc. occurred in February 2014. And most recently in 2018, he was named President and CEO of the company. 

In addition to his responsibilities with Fareway, Cramer is active in many charitable organizations, including MDA,  Easter Seals, and served as President for Variety-the Children’s Charity. Cramer is also a board member of the Iowa Business Council and ChildServe in Des Moines.  He is also an advocate for animal rescue, having adopted several animals from various rescue organizations. 

A native Iowan and graduate of Boone High School in 1987 and Luther College in 1991, Cramer has a daughter Ashley, 19, and son Zachary, 14.  Cramer and his wife Sheila live in Ames and together have the newest addition to the family Benny, 15 months old. 

Fareway Stores Inc. is a privately held company that has over 12,000 employees and operates 123 stores in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota.