Andre Persaud came to Cub Foods a year ago after a career mostly in Canada, working for some of the world’s most respected retailers. Cub’s parent, food distribution giant UNFI, operates two grocery chains, Cub and Shoppers, a smaller chain in the mid-Atlantic. Cub is the biggest local player in grocery, and Persaud’s mandate is to modernize Cub’s appeal beyond its core 55-plus customer who came of age when the brand was new. Persaud has a background in pharmacy and is committed to that stressed business within Cub as part of a broader wellness emphasis. His plans for 2025 include a focus on young families (more hot food, a school-friendly bakery), consistency of store experience, and leading the market in digital capabilities.