Springfield-based M.J. Kellner Foodservice, a 102-year-old business serving the commercial food service industry in six states, celebrated its transition from a family-owned to an employee-owned business with a fresh brand identity on Friday.
The ceremony also recognized Bill Kellner, the final Kellner family member to own the century-old business and the man who made possible the company’s employee ownership.
“We are looking toward the future with a fun, fresh new look while staying true to our core values of exceptional customer service and quality products,” said M.J. Kellner President Dave Rikas. “As employee-owners, we are committed to building upon our strong company tradition while taking the business forward for current and future generations of customers and employees.”
The new M.J. Kellner logo, featuring the tagline “exceeding all of your food service needs,” was unveiled on one of the company’s product delivery semi-trailers as well as the warehouse facility.
A proclamation from Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder was read that honored Bill Kellner prior to the logo unveiling.
M.J. Kellner Foodservice was founded in 1920 by Maurice J. Kellner and evolved into a successful independent, contract distributorship under the leadership of second-generation owner Hack Kellner. Under the leadership of third-generation owner Bill Kellner, the company has become a multi-dimensional, broad-line Foodservice, Chemical, Beverage, Equipment, and Supply distributorship. The firm’s 96 employees became company owners in 2021 when Bill Kellner sold his remaining interest in the company to the employees and took on the role as Chairman of the Board.