Servicing Convenience Stores, Restaurants
For Over 70 Years
We will make decisions and execute plans balancing return on
investment of company funds while weighing the impact to
associate quality of work life. Our actions will always be legal,
ethical, moral and in keeping with the Christian principles our
company was founded upon. It is our desire to keep our
company financially strong so we can provide meaningful and
fulfilling careers for our associates and in turn contribute to the
greater good of the communities we serve and live in.
BRIEF HISTORY OF
ADAMS WHOLESALE COMPANY
Arnold L. "Bill" Adams founded our modern day organization by acquiring his first wholesale
license in 1940 and started the Arnold L. Adams Wholesale Company (AWC) in Rocky Mount,
North Carolina. Mr. Adams had forty customers and made bicycle deliveries three times a week.
Merchandise was purchased from five or six wholesalers and stored in garages and empty
apartment rooms. In 1944, he moved uptown to a 1200 sq. Ft. building. In 1946, AWC became a
broker for PLEE-ZING Incorporated, this association led to a move to a larger warehouse the same
year. In 1965, the business moved to its current location at 101 Nashville Road where it has had
several expansions over the years. The company has diversified into a full line wholesaler
stocking candy, tobacco, health and beauty aids, grocery, automotive, food service, and frozen
and refrigerated items. AWC now offers an inventory of over 3,000 items, supplied by over 250
vendors. Customers include Convenience Stores, Mom & Pops, and Restaurants on its delivery
routes and a much wider customer base through its cash and carry operations. AWC employs 80
plus people "Bill" Adams youngest son, Fred, is President and CEO. The 67,000 sq. ft. distribution
center is a modern facility where improvements are constantly being made. In February 1992,
the company purchased a separate Cash & Carry operation located on North Church St. about 5
miles north of its warehouse in Rocky Mount, now known as Fred's Food Club (FFC). In July 1997,
AWC completed an expansion of the North Church St. facility and in the spring of 2003 the original
Fred’s Food Club in Rocky Mount was closed when a new facility was rededicated on Benvenue Rd.
In November of 1997, the second Fred's Food Club was constructed and located in Wilson, NC
about 18 miles south of the distribution center. In 1999 a major expansion was completed at the
distribution center, this included a new freezer, additional dry storage, ESFR Fire Sprinkler System
and a complete new layout and re-slotting of the entire facility. In April of 2002 a third Fred’s Food
Club location was constructed in Greenville N.C. Since 1940 continued growth through unmatched
customer satisfaction has proven successful for Adams Wholesale Company.
Founder
Arnold L. "Bill" Adams
