Sherms Thunderbird, Food 4 Less to Be Sold
Olsrud Family Plans Sale of Sherm’s Markets After Nearly 60 Years
MEDFORD, Ore. — The Olsrud family plans to sell its four Southern Oregon grocery stores, including the familiar Thunderbird and Food 4 Less locations, according to reporting from KOBI NBC 5.
Sherm’s Markets was founded in 1967 when Sherm and Wanda Olsrud opened Sherm’s Thunderbird Market in West Medford. The business expanded to Klamath Falls in 1974 and later grew into a regional grocery chain.
In 1977, the family purchased the Medford Bazaar department store on Biddle Road and operated it as a Thunderbird before transitioning it into Sherm’s Food 4 Less in the 1980s. The company expanded to Roseburg in 2000.
The family-run grocer has been known for long-term employee retention, with many staff members serving for decades.
The Olsruds have also contributed significantly to community causes across Southern Oregon, including 4-H, the Medford School District, Southern Oregon University, and regional food pantries.
KOBI NBC 5 previously reported that Sherm’s Markets delivered 20,000 pounds of food to ACCESS for the 28th consecutive year and donated 23,000 pounds to the Klamath-Lake County Food Bank.
In 2022, the family donated $12 million to the Asante Foundation to support construction of the Olsrud Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
Following the passing of Sherm Olsrud in 2019 and Wanda Olsrud in 2025, their eldest son, Steve Olsrud, developed a succession plan that led to the decision to sell the stores and the company’s Medford warehouse.
No timeline or buyer has been announced.
Source: KOBI NBC 5
https://kobi5.com/news/top-stories/family-owned-sherms-markets-plans-to-sell-294684/
Cover image: Sherms Markets
