In the summer of 2025, the beloved New England grocery chain Market Basket finds itself embroiled in yet another chapter of corporate drama, echoing the family feud that nearly derailed the company in 2014.
At the heart of the latest controversy is the suspension of Paul Quigley, a 44-year veteran and district supervisor, whose paid leave has ignited fierce debate about company culture, employee loyalty, and leadership struggles.
Quigley’s suspension, alongside that of other key executives, has raised questions about the direction of Market Basket under its current board and the potential for a repeat of the historic protests that once brought the chain to a standstill. This article explores the unfolding saga, Quigley’s role, and the broader implications for Market Basket’s future.
A Loyal Veteran Sidelined
Paul Quigley, a Haverhill, Massachusetts native, began his career at Market Basket in 1981 as a teenage bagger. Over four decades, he climbed the ranks to become a district supervisor overseeing 22 stores, primarily along the South Shore.
Known for his dedication, Quigley was a visible leader who fostered strong relationships with employees and customers alike. His contributions included optimizing store operations, mentoring staff, and maintaining the chain’s reputation for low prices and community engagement.
On July 4, 2025, Quigley arrived at Market Basket’s Tewksbury headquarters at 5:30 a.m., only to receive a letter from the board of directors informing him of his suspension with pay until September 30.
The board, led by Executive Committee Chair Jay Hachigian, cited “disruptive behavior” and claimed Quigley had ignored repeated warnings to cease such actions. The letter, curiously sent to a different Paul Quigley in Massachusetts, accused him of making comments suggesting he sought termination and barred him from company premises and contact with employees.
Quigley vehemently denies these allegations, asserting that his suspension stemmed from his inquiries about the company’s leadership following the May 28 suspension of CEO Arthur T.
Demoulas. “I kept asking, ‘What is the end game here? What are we doing? Who is running this place?’ No answers,” Quigley told NBC10 Boston. He described a workplace marked by “apprehension, a lot of tears, people doing jobs they are not qualified to do,” painting a picture of a company in disarray.
Echoes of 2014: A Familiar Struggle
The current unrest draws inevitable comparisons to the 2014 “Summer of Market Basket,” when Arthur T. Demoulas was ousted by his cousin Arthur S. Demoulas, sparking a six-week revolt. Employees, from warehouse workers to store managers, protested alongside customers, boycotting stores and leaving shelves bare.
The movement, driven by loyalty to Arthur T.’s employee-friendly policies and low-price model, cost the company millions but ultimately led to his reinstatement after he bought out his cousin’s stake for $1.6 billion.
Today, the board’s decision to place Arthur T. and several executives, including his children Madeline and Telemachus, on leave has reignited fears of a similar crisis. The board alleges that Arthur T. was planning a work stoppage in retaliation for demands for greater oversight, including transparency in operations and succession planning.
Quigley, along with Operations Director Joe Schmidt and Grocery Director Tom Gordon, both also suspended, are among nine executives sidelined in recent weeks, accused of participating in this alleged scheme.
Schmidt and Gordon have staunchly defended Quigley, with Schmidt declaring, “There has not been a day in the history of Market Basket where Paul Quigley has not done his job.” Gordon echoed this, expressing concern that Quigley was targeted for seeking clarity on leadership.
“It’s troubling that they would put a guy like that out just because he wants to know what’s going on with the boss,” he said. Both executives, also on leave, deny any work stoppage plot, with Quigley calling it a “takeover” orchestrated by the board.
A Company Culture Under Siege
Market Basket’s unique culture, built on low prices, generous employee benefits, and a familial atmosphere, has long been a point of pride. Arthur T.’s leadership, marked by his ability to recall employees’ names and attend their personal milestones, fostered fierce loyalty.
However, the current suspensions signal to many a shift away from this ethos. Schmidt lamented, “This company has never been a place where you couldn’t voice your opinion, and now, under the leadership that’s in the company, people cannot freely speak their mind, and they’re scared.”
The board, however, insists that operations remain strong, with Hachigian claiming, “Market Basket is continuing to run the same as always with strong sales and motivated associates.” Critics, including Quigley, argue that this narrative glosses over a fractured workplace where dissent is stifled.
The suspensions of other supervisors, like Esteban Alvarez, accused of threatening a colleague, further muddy the waters, with employees questioning the board’s motives.
The Demoulas Family Feud Continues
At the root of the turmoil is the ongoing Demoulas family saga. Arthur T., who owns 28% of Market Basket, faces opposition from his sisters—Frances Kettenbach, Glorianne Farnham, and Caren Pasquale—who collectively control 60%. Reports suggest they seek greater financial distributions and to elevate Frances’s son, Michael Kettenbach, to a leadership role.
The board’s hiring of Quinn Emanuel to investigate the alleged work stoppage has been called a pretext for consolidating power, with Schmidt labeling it an attempt to “find something to justify getting rid of us.”
What Lies Ahead?
As Market Basket navigates this crisis, the suspensions, set to last until September 30, and the ongoing investigation cast uncertainty over its future. Customers and employees alike recall the 2014 protests, with some wondering if history will repeat.
The company’s ability to maintain its loyal customer base and unique culture hangs in the balance, with Quigley’s suspension serving as a flashpoint for broader discontent.
Market Basket’s story is one of resilience, but also of recurring conflict. Whether the current unrest galvanizes another uprising or leads to a quieter resolution remains to be seen.
For now, Paul Quigley and his colleagues stand as symbols of a workforce fighting to preserve the values that made Market Basket a New England institution.