COMMITMENTS and CONTINGENCIES

12 Months Ended

Jul. 26, 2025

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS and CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS and CONTINGENCIES

Approximately 91% of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. Contracts with the Company’s seven unions have or will expire between March 2025 and June 2028.  28% of our associates are represented by unions whose contracts have already expired or expire within one year.  Any work stoppages could have an adverse impact on our financial results.

On May 2, 2025, we filed a Verified Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief (the “Complaint”) in a matter captioned Village Super Market, Inc., et al. v. Wakefern Food Corp., et al. in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Middlesex County (the “Chancery Court”). We sought to enjoin the acquisition by Wakefern Food Corp. (“Wakefern”) of Morton Williams Supermarkets (the “Acquisition”) on the basis that the acquisition violates Wakefern’s governing documents, which we believe prohibit Wakefern from acquiring and operating a retail chain that competes directly with its members. We also challenged certain actions and inactions by Wakefern in connection with the Acquisition. Subsequently, we filed an amended complaint in the Chancery Court on September 19, 2025 (the “Amended Complaint”) to include additional claims concerning Wakefern’s actions against us that occurred in August 2025. The Acquisition closed on or about October 1, 2025.

We are in the process of evaluating our options for alternative relief with respect to Wakefern and the Acquisition. Wakefern and the other defendants have filed a motion to dismiss the Amended Complaint, which motion is pending. Notwithstanding the above, the Amended Complaint is pending resolution on the merits. In addition, there is currently a dispute that arose in August 2025 between us and Wakefern related to certain trademark and other agreements between the parties, which dispute has delayed and may further delay the approval of new stores that we have planned. To date, this dispute has not significantly impacted our operations or financial performance or significantly delayed the opening of any new stores. However, Wakefern has indicated that it could take additional actions against us if the matter in controversy is not resolved. At this time, we are unable to determine the probability of the outcome of these matters, or the range of reasonably possible loss, if any.

The Company is involved in other litigation incidental to the normal course of business. Company management is of the opinion that the ultimate resolution of these legal proceedings should not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.