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Bobby Ukrop reflects on a legacy of commitment to regional growth

January 29, 2025

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For Bobby Ukrop, Greater Richmond isn’t just where he grew up, lives, and works— it’s an important part of who he is.

A University of Richmond alum and longtime champion of the region, Bobby sees his commitment to the community as ongoing, much like the Greater Richmond Partnership’s (GRP) mission for regional economic development.

“The bigger the pie grows in Richmond, the greater the economic prosperity is for all,” said Bobby.

As the recently announced Chair of the Greater Richmond Partnership Board of Directors for fiscal year 2024-2025, Bobby is returning to the organization’s helm.

More than thirty years ago, Bobby’s brother, Jim, played a pivotal role as one of GRP’s founders. Jim, and Bobby soon after, helped to secure the initial private-sector funding to establish GRP as a public-private partnership.

Over the years, my brother and I have continued to invest in projects and initiatives that would help our business grow… So, in 1994, we recognized that the Greater Richmond Partnership was worth investing in. Jim was right in the middle of the partnership’s founding, which ensured I was involved as well,” Bobby said.

Supporting economic growth

The Ukrop family’s legacy began in 1937 when Bobby Ukrop’s parents opened a 16-by-32-foot grocery store. Over the next seven decades, Ukrop’s Super Markets grew into a chain of 30 locations while operating a central kitchen and central bakery before the family sold the retail side of its enterprise in 2010.

After the sale, by capitalizing on their decades of experience in food retail and fresh food production, Bobby’s side of the family then turned its focus to a new business known as Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods in 2010. Bobby explained. “Our 550 teammates make short shelf-life chilled prepared foods and baked goods.” Today, Ukrop’s Homestyle Foods distributes its fresh products to more than 250 food retailers across Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina and beyond. In addition, a handful of frozen bakery items are being sold at supermarkets across the nation as well as grilled chicken throughout the MidAtlantic in Kroger stores.

Over the years, there were other businesses the family started as well.

In 1997, the Ukrop family founded First Market Bank which was eventually merged into what is now Atlantic Union Bank.

The Ukrops also ventured into workforce apparel. “…Threads Uniform Agency which is a supplier of apparel to large food retailers, theme parks, convenience store chains, and fast-casual restaurants throughout the nation. The business grew out of the fact that we had difficulty finding quality apparel for our retail food associates,” replied Bobby.

From groceries to banking to workforce apparel, the Ukrop family continues to support economic growth with ventures that adapt to meet evolving market needs.

Community leadership

Bobby supports the region’s growth through his volunteer efforts in addition to leading his own business.

He adds that the collaboration among the public and private sectors has been a cornerstone of GRP’s success. “GRP is fortunate to have the support and participation of wonderful government officials,” he said. And the private sector brings unique perspectives, entrepreneurship and strategic insights that are essential to the region’s growth.

The teamwork among public and private sectors inspires more organizations to become involved and helps attract business and talent to Richmond as well, Bobby explained.”

This perspective has been reinforced during his service on the Capital Region Airport Commission where private sector commissioners add value in a similar fashion for the airport, our region’s key strategic asset for economic development.

Why invest in GRP?

Attracting new businesses keeps the region vibrant. “We need a certain freshness that comes along with people who are new to the area. They bring their skills, perspectives, and ideas that we may not have thought about yet,” he explained.

Bobby Ukrop believes that investing in the Greater Richmond Partnership is about growing the region for the benefit of everyone. He emphasizes that a thriving economy brings new opportunities and growth to the entire region.

Since the late 1990s, Bobby has been fully engaged in the work of GRP and other regional initiatives. He highlights the role of collaboration in driving economic development. “This region has benefited greatly from the work of the Greater Richmond Partnership and will always do so as long as people pour their heart and soul into trying to make this place better for future generations.”

He also points to the strength of the public-private partnership model that GRP employs. “When people are working together and building trusting relationships, the team gets stronger, and the region achieves better results.”

Bobby underscores the role of private-sector input in the region’s success. “Private sector and government involvement is so important. Each brings different approaches and perspectives.

While acknowledging occasional challenges, Bobby remains optimistic. “There is a lot of trust built up among everyone involved in the GRP—not just the staff and investors, but board members and the Regional Leadership Circle.

The future of GRP

Bobby is optimistic about the Greater Richmond Partnership’s future. “We’re in a really good place right now,” he said. “There have been a good number of wins recently, and we have an energetic group of leaders—staff, volunteers, and board members—who work well together.”

For Bobby, the long-term vitality of the region depends upon future leaders stepping up to carry the torch in the years ahead.”

Looking to the future, Bobby remains committed to serving a region that has given him and his family so much. And he looks forward to working with the next generation of business leaders who will bring fresh perspectives and ideas for growth to the region.

Learn how to support growth in Greater Richmond through GRP investment.