History
Two brothers, W.E. Pridgen and A.M. Pridgen, founded PRIDGEN BROTHERS in 1911. For over 90 years the Company has combined quality food products with outstanding customer service.

Carswell Pridgen, the last of the direct Pridgen Brother family members that worked for the business, retired in 1999, after 55 years of service to the Company. Carswell is fondly remembered by all Pridgen Brothers employees for his work ethic, moral character and outstanding personality. In addition to being the Company’s leading salesman, Carswell was also a distinguished military veteran.

As a lieutenant in the 42nd Calvary, he took part in five major campaigns in Europe during World War II, including the D-Day invasion. In July 2004, Carswell was involved in a fatal car accident. You cannot replace an individual like Carswell. We will never forget his spirit, advice and encouragement to all of our employees over the years.

Our President Emeritus, John Hines, came to the company in 1942. At that time, the Company was focused exclusively on wholesale grocery distribution, serving the many independent small grocery stores throughout Georgia. Through John’s leadership and tutelage, PRIDGEN BROTHERS transformed themselves into a successful wholesale foodservice distributor.

In November of 2003, after 60 years of service to the Company, Mr. Hines stepped down as President of the Company. Though he is 91 years old today, Mr. Hines still comes to work on a daily basis. He is actively involved in purchasing and sales and continues to pass on his business acumen to current management. During his 60 years as company President, Mr. Hines demanded that each employee have an MBA, that is, a “mop bucket attitude”. That tradition and attitude carries forward today.