The Donald P. Lloyd Spirit of Independents Award, presented at Associated Food Stores’ annual meeting, honors a member retailer who embodies the strength, determination and service of the company’s founder. This year, the award goes to the Khoury family—a tremendous example of resilience, vision and a remarkable commitment to serving others.
Sam and Gus Khoury began their journey in Bethlehem, leaving their homeland in search of opportunity. Arriving in Los Angeles, they worked at Winchell’s Donuts, where the seeds of their determination were sown despite challenging times. Their early experiences only strengthened their resolve to succeed in America.
The Khoury’s later relocated to Elko, Nevada, where they purchased a small convenience store called Our Store. Recognizing the need for better access to groceries, they opened K-Market in Spring Creek in 1982—the community’s first grocery store. Faced with early hurdles such as suppliers refusing to deliver over Lamoille Summit and a lack of garbage services, they persevered, even hauling milk themselves and running a postal substation to serve local families.
In 1995, the family expanded their vision with the opening of Khoury’s Marketplace, and eventually added stores in Winnemucca, Carlin, and another location in Spring Creek. Beyond their retail success, Sam, Gus, and their wives, Nawal and Mimi, have been active in community life, sponsoring events like the Lake of Fire Independence Day fireworks and other local initiatives.
Now, after decades of service, the Khoury family has passed the torch to Ridley’s Family Markets, a company that shares their independent spirit and deep-rooted values. The Donald P. Lloyd Spirit of Independents Award celebrates the Khoury family’s legacy of hard work, community service and the transformative impact of determination and compassion.