A beloved figure in Oregon's grocery industry, Rick Wright, CEO of Market of Choice, has tragically left us at the age of 62.
According to DailyMail.com, Wright passed away on Sunday at his home in Eugene, Oregon, due to natural causes. The company has not provided further details on the specific circumstances of his passing.
Wright's journey in the supermarket business began early, learning the trade under the guidance of his father, Richard Wright Sr., who founded the family business in 1979.
Starting with just four stores, initially branded as Price Chopper, the enterprise was a modest operation when Rick took over the leadership role in 1997.
Under his stewardship, Wright reimagined the chain, renaming it Market of Choice and shifting focus to locally sourced goods over wholesale products. This pivot reflected a commitment to community values often overlooked in today’s corporate rush for profit over principle.
His vision paid off as the chain grew to 12 locations across Oregon, employing nearly 1,400 people and stocking over 7,000 local products. Such expansion shows what can happen when business leaders prioritize homegrown solutions instead of bowing to globalist supply chains.
Wright’s innovative MOJO Program guaranteed shelf space for new businesses for a full year, a bold move to nurture small enterprises. In a world where big-box stores often crush the little guy, this initiative stood as a refreshing counterpoint.
Market of Choice also distributed nearly 800 products from Oregon’s small business community, a testament to Wright’s belief in sustaining local economies. He once told Oregon Business, “There just aren’t a lot of companies like Market of Choice that’s willing to invest the money that it takes to keep it local and build local.”
That quote underscores a philosophy too rare in an era dominated by profit-driven conglomerates. Wright’s approach wasn’t just business—it was a stand against the homogenization of our food systems pushed by progressive corporate agendas.
The company hailed Wright as one of the most recognizable faces in Oregon’s grocery sector, crediting him with redefining what a store could be. They noted he transformed it into “a force for sustaining local economies, fostering innovation and nourishing the spirit of Oregon.”
Such praise isn’t mere corporate fluff—it reflects a man who understood that commerce should serve people, not just shareholders. In an age of faceless mega-chains, Wright’s personal touch was a reminder of what we’ve lost to unchecked globalization.
Wright himself emphasized in a 2022 Everyday Northwest interview that Market of Choice intended to remain in Oregon, proudly family-owned. That dedication to roots over reckless expansion is a lesson for businesses chasing endless growth at the expense of identity.
Beyond business, Wright’s philanthropy touched many in Lane County and across Oregon, leaving a legacy of generosity that matched his professional achievements. Market of Choice remembered him as a “steward of good food, of local communities, and of people.”
Personally, Wright leaves behind his wife, Debbie, their three children—Zach, Staci, and Sydney—two grandchildren, three siblings, and his mother, Marsha. His family’s loss is deeply felt, a reminder that behind every leader is a human story of love and connection.
As Oregon mourns Rick Wright, his life offers a blueprint for balancing profit with purpose, community with commerce. In a cultural landscape often obsessed with tearing down tradition, Wright built something enduring—a business rooted in the values of family and locality that should inspire us all.
