Family Express and Leo’s Market & Eatery Announce Partnership

OCTOBER 5, 2026, Valparaiso, IN and Greenfield, IN – Family Express Corporation and Leo's Market & Eatery announced today a strategic partnership that brings together two Indiana-owned companies with a shared commitment to customers, employees, communities, and long-term growth. Under the agreement, Family Express will assume operations of Leo's Market & Eatery locations in suburban Indianapolis and Lafayette, while Leo’s will prioritize its focus on expanding its food program and commissary operations, continuing to develop Leo’s Eatery as a standalone food-focused concept.

As part of the partnership, Leo’s will continue producing and supplying its signature kolaches and other fresh food offerings to the transitioning Leo’s locations, as well as Family Express stores throughout Indiana. The partnership will significantly expand the reach of Leo’s food platform, bringing its kolaches, sandwiches, salads, grab-and-go offerings, and other prepared foods to Family Express’ approximately 90 existing locations.

Since 2019, Leo's has built a reputation as one of Indiana's most food-forward convenience retailers, developing more than twenty varieties of kolaches and a fresh food platform that has generated strong customer loyalty. Family Express has earned national recognition for operational excellence, customer service, technology leadership, and employee development. Through this partnership, both organizations believe they can accelerate growth while bringing high-quality fresh food offerings to more customers throughout the state.

"This partnership allows both organizations to focus on what they do best," said Stephanie White-Longworth, Owner and President of Leo’s Market & Eatery. "Over the past several years, our team has worked tirelessly to develop a customer-centric food concept centered around freshness, quality, and convenience. This agreement creates a unique opportunity to preserve and enhance our Central Commissary while allowing us to focus on the continued development and expansion of Leo's Eatery as a standalone concept. Equally important, the trust and respect that has developed between our organizations over many years has made Family Express the right partner for our team, our customers, and our communities."

Gus Olympidis, President and Chief Executive Officer of Family Express, said, “We are excited to partner with the Leo’s Market & Eatery team. Leo’s has built an impressive portfolio of high-quality stores, along with an exceptional food program, and its kolaches have become a beloved part of the brand’s legacy. We look forward to building upon that strong foundation, bringing Leo’s signature products to even more customers throughout Indiana, and continuing the strong relationships Leo’s has established in its communities. This partnership strengthens our presence in the Indianapolis market, enhances our growing portfolio, and creates exciting opportunities for future growth.”

The agreement comes at a time when customer demand for fresh, high-quality food continues to reshape the convenience retail industry. By combining Family Express’ scale and operational expertise with Leo’s food innovation and commissary production capabilities, the companies will be well positioned to bring Leo’s distinctive fresh food offerings to more customers while maintaining the high standards both organizations are known for. 

The agreement also complements Family Express’ broader growth strategy across Indiana. Earlier this year, Family Express announced plans to invest approximately $100 million in new store development throughout the state. This agreement is separate from and additive to that initiative, further strengthening Family Express’ presence in key Indiana markets while creating new opportunities to expand Leo’s fresh food platform. Together, these efforts position the companies for continued growth and greater opportunities to serve customers and communities across Indiana.

Employees will remain central throughout the transition and beyond. Leadership from both companies will work closely together to ensure continuity for team members and customers. Leo’s employees bring valuable knowledge of food operations, customer preferences, product development, and community relationships - expertise that will play an important role in supporting future success.

"I'm incredibly proud of what our team has built over the last several years," White-Longworth added. “Family Express recognized the value of our people, our food program, and the relationships we've developed in our communities, and that meant a lot to us. We couldn't ask for a better partner to help carry that legacy forward while we focus on growing the next chapter of Leo's." The transaction is expected to close later this fall, subject to customary closing conditions.

About Family Express

Family Express was founded in Valparaiso in 1975 and operates stores throughout Northwest and Central Indiana. The Company has been named the North America Chain of the Year and in an independent survey, FE was ranked at the top among Convenience Store Entities and Customer Service. The Company has also been awarded Technology Leader of the Year by Convenience Store News. In 2026, Family Express was named a USA TODAY Top Workplace, a national recognition celebrating organizations that prioritize a people-first culture and exceptional employee experience. Family Express is characterized by a unique labor force that it calls the “Living Brand.” The Company screens fifty prospects in search of each right person. Learn more at familyexpress.com.

About Leo’s Market & Eatery

Leo’s Market & Eatery was founded by fourth-generation retailers Stephanie White-Longworth and Keith White, who previously owned, operated and grew GasAmerica to more than 90 locations in the Midwest. Named in honor of their late father, Richard “Leo” White, Leo’s proudly originated in Greenfield, Indiana and reimagines what a convenience store can be. With an in-house chef crafting weekly featured dishes, from fresh soups, salads, and pastas to pastries and their famous kolaches, Leo’s offers a deliciously different experience for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Recognized by communities for excellence, Leo’s has been awarded Best Caterer, Best Convenience Store, Best Customer Service, Best Community Volunteer, and One of the Best Restaurants across multiple markets. Learn more at yourleos.com.