In this episode of Uncorked: Wine, Business & Life, filmed in the Saddlehill Winery Tasting Room, hosts Bill Green and Jerrold Colton sit down with longtime friend and Philadelphia business leader Jeff Brown, the fourth-generation grocer behind Brown’s ShopRite and Di Bruno Bros.

Jeff opens up about his journey from growing up in Northeast Philly to transforming a small family grocery business into a community-driven powerhouse that serves both underserved neighborhoods and upscale markets. He discusses working directly with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama to shape national food-access policy and how that partnership helped launch Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign.

The conversation dives into Jeff’s Uplift workforce initiative—an inspiring program providing second chances to formerly incarcerated individuals and achieving a remarkable 98% success rate. Jeff also talks about serving on Governor Tom Wolf’s Workforce Development Board, tackling issues like inflation, tariffs, and SNAP cuts, and how policy impacts everyday families.

From running for Mayor of Philadelphia, to acquiring Di Bruno Bros., to raising four sons alongside his wife and business partner Sandy, Jeff’s story is one of heart, perseverance, and purpose.

🍷 Wines featured: Saddlehill Vintner’s Reserve, Château Lafite Rothschild, and Dominus (Napa Bordeaux-style).

🎙️ Hosts: Bill Green & Jerrold Colton

📍 Location: Saddlehill Winery Tasting Room – Voorhees, NJ