MEDFORD, Ore. (Mar. 2, 2026) — The family that has owned and operated Sherm’s Market for nearly six decades confirmed this week that its four Southern Oregon grocery stores are up for sale, as part of a succession plan aimed at keeping the longtime community staple operating for years to come.
In a statement, General Manager Bob Ames said the company’s goal is to find the “right partner” who will continue operating the stores as they have been run since 1967, serving the community and caring for more than 500 employees.
“Per Steve Olsrud it is business as usual,” Ames wrote. “We plan on this company being around for years to come. We love this community and appreciate how very good you have been to us. The generations of families who have done business with us have just been amazing and is very much appreciated.”
The Olsrud family founded the Medford-based grocer in 1967, when Sherm and Wanda Olsrud opened their first store, Sherm’s Thunderbird Market, in West Medford. The business expanded to Klamath Falls in 1974, becoming a regional chain.
In 1977, the family purchased the Medford Bazaar department store on Biddle Road and operated it as a Thunderbird store until the 1980s, when it was converted into Sherm’s Food 4 Less. The company later expanded north to Roseburg in 2000. Today, Sherm’s operates four stores across Southern Oregon, along with several large downtown Medford warehouses.
The family-run company has long been known for employee longevity, with some staff members remaining with the grocer for decades.
Beyond retail operations, the Olsrud family has been widely recognized for its philanthropy. Contributions have supported local 4-H programs, the Medford School District, Southern Oregon University and food pantries throughout the region.
In 2022, the family donated $12 million to the Asante Foundation for its largest project to date — the new Olsrud Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Following the death of founder Sherman Olsrud in 2019 and Wanda Olsrud late last year, their eldest son, Steve Olsrud, who has led the company for nearly 30 years, has been working on a succession plan. Now 78, Steve Olsrud has chosen to move forward with selling the stores and warehouse in an effort to secure the company’s long-term future.
According to the company, Olsrud intends to maintain operations as they have been while a buyer is sought.
For now, company leaders emphasized that customers should expect no immediate changes.
“It is business as usual,” Ames said.
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