50 years with Bi-Lo

Richard Witt’s first job was at the Bi-Lo grocery store in Red Bank.

He was 16 years old, and the store operated under the Red Food banner.

Today, he is 67 and has just celebrated half a century with the supermarket company and still works full time.

Mr. Witt, a Chickamauga, Ga., resident, joked that he might do it another 50 years.

“I’ll do it as long as I feel like it,” he said.

Eric Hozouri, manager at the Bi-Lo at 1873 Battlefield Parkway in Fort Oglethorpe, where Mr. Witt now works in the dairy and frozen foods department, said it is an honor to have someone with Mr. Witt’s longevity working at his store.

“Bi-Lo has some long-tenured employees in this area, but none as long as Richard,” Mr. Mozouri said. “Fifty years is a really long time.”

Mr. Witt began his Bi-Lo career in the produce department and has since worked in many departments in the area.

According to Bi-Lo, Mr. Witt has earned a variety of promotions over the years and has held a variety of titles including lead stock clerk, grocery manager and assistant produce manager.

The company recently honored him at an awards ceremony.

“We are very happy to congratulate Richard on 50 years with the Bi-Lo team,” said Daryl Massey, Bi-Lo district director. “Richard continues to set a great example though his hard work and dedication, and we could not ask for a better, more committed teammate.”

Mr. Witt said he has seen many changes in the grocery business over the years.

When he joined Bi-Lo in 1959, there was no such thing as the floral department or the deli, he said. Grocery stores didn’t include pharmacies, the selection of products was smaller, and prices were lower.

“It’s changed a lot,” Mr. Witt said. “Everything is computerized now.”

Mr. Mozouri said he would like more employees like Mr. Witt.

“It’s amazing,” said Mr. Mozouri, who has worked for Bi-Lo for 10 years. “After 50 years in the grocery business, if I can keep moving around like that would be great.”