Greg Calhoun, the Alabama-born entrepreneur who made history as the first African American to own a major grocery store in the South, passed away on October 11, 2023, at the age of 66. His death was announced by his daughter, ShaKenya Calhoun, who said he died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, surrounded by his family. The cause of death has not been revealed.
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A Remarkable Journey from Bag Boy to Boss
Calhoun’s remarkable journey began when he was hired as a bag boy at a Montgomery supermarket in 1968, at the age of 14. He had a vision of owning the store one day, and he made it a reality in 1984, when he bought the Super Food and Big Bear Supermarket for $735,000. He became the first African American to own a major grocery store in the South, and the store he bought was the same one he worked in as a teenager.
Calhoun expanded his business empire to include seven family-owned subsidiaries, covering industries such as food and beverage, telecom, advertising and marketing, investing and consulting. He founded Calhoun Enterprises, of which he was the president and CEO, and operated a chain of Calhoun Foods supermarkets across the South. He made his way onto the BE 100s, the annual listing of the nation’s largest black-owned companies, in 1991, and stayed there for 25 years. At its peak, Calhoun Enterprises had as much as $118 million in annual revenues.
A Generous Philanthropist and a Visionary Partner
Calhoun was not only a successful businessman, but also a generous philanthropist and a visionary partner. He supported various causes and organizations, such as the United Negro College Fund, the National Urban League, the NAACP, and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He also established the Greg Calhoun Foundation, which provides scholarships and mentoring to young people.
Calhoun partnered with comedian and media personality Steve Harvey on several ventures, including an investment group named HarCal that launched a line of food products and bought a factory that manufactures latex gloves. Harvey described Calhoun as “one of my closest friends and business partners” and “a master negotiator and one of the most welcoming and energetic spirits I have ever known.”
Calhoun also had connections with influential figures in politics, sports, and entertainment. He met with President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama to discuss issues affecting African Americans. He was friends with Michael Jackson, Magic Johnson, and the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., who said Calhoun “took ill” while playing golf in Los Angeles and soon lapsed into a coma.
A Legacy of Excellence and Inspiration
Calhoun’s legacy is one of excellence and inspiration. He was a trailblazer in the supermarket industry, a leader in the black business community, and a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs. He was honored with numerous awards and recognitions, such as the Black Enterprise A.G. Gaston Lifetime Achievement Award, the Alabama Retailer of the Year Award, and the induction into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame.
Calhoun is survived by his wife, Norma, his children, ShaKenya, Gregory Jr., and Courtney, his grandchildren, and his brothers. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and customers. He will be remembered as a man who lived his dream and made a difference in the world.
