Video directed and written by Chris Wooley. Director of photography: Wayne Dickmann. Produced by the Historical League. Narrated by Pat McMahon. Made possible by a financial grant from Dr. Edward B. Diethrich.
Eddie Basha, a grocer to the core, is head of Arizona’s only family-owned supermarket chain, claiming 103 stores statewide. Hear the pride in his voice and see his smile as he speaks directly to you on radio and in television commercials. He is easily believed when he offers you a juicy bite of a ripe melon.
A multifaceted man, Mr. Basha avidly collects contemporary Western American and Native American fine art. He shares his collection of treasures in a private museum in Chandler. The gallery honors his late aunt, Zelma Basha Salmeri, the person he credits with encouraging his early appreciation for art and developing his passion for history. After making his first acquisition in 1971, his zeal and collections have steadily increased over the years.
Eddie Basha’s life hasn’t always been one of affluence. His grandparents were Lebanese immigrants who came to the United States in 1884. Two years before statehood, in 1910, Mr. Basha's grandparents opened a general store in Ray, Arizona Territory. It was from this humble beginning, in 1932, that his father and uncle founded today’s grocery dynasty.
Born in Chandler, Arizona, Eddie Basha graduated from Chandler High. His start in the mercantile business began as a high school student when his Uncle Ike put him to work at sixty cents an hour, sweeping floors and stocking shelves during the summers. He saved his earnings for his education and received a bachelor’s degree in history from Stanford University. Immediately following graduation, he joined the family business full time.
After his father died in 1968, Mr. Basha assumed leadership for their seventeen stores, along with considerable debt. Today, there are also Bashas’ stores in New Mexico and California. “My father was my mentor. He was a visionary, an entrepreneur and a compassionate man,” Eddie Basha says. Following in his mentor’s footsteps, he isn’t satisfied with being Arizona’s finest grocer; he gives time and talent while lending his influence in the name of children and education.
Eddie Basha began his public service with thirteen years on the school board in Chandler. Later, he was appointed by Governor Bruce Babbitt to the State Board of Education where he served for eight years and was twice elected president. In 1990, he was appointed by Governor Rose Mofford to the Arizona State Board of Regents, remaining a regent eight years. Governor Mofford calls him her “Number One Son.” During an exceptionally cold winter, after she opened the National Guard Armories to shelter homeless people, Eddie Basha generously provided food.
Further, according to Governor Mofford, “He is, without a doubt, the greatest prankster in the world. The pranks he pulls on important people are legendary. I call them getting Basha-ed. I remember receiving a call from the White House, and the caller offered me the post of “Advisor on Southwest Issues.” I thought the appointment sounded interesting and I was flattered - buying the idea hook, line and sinker. I almost had my bags packed when I realized I had been Basha-ed.”
Politics have played a large part in Eddie Basha’s role as a leading Arizona citizen. His Democratic gubernatorial campaign a few years ago was a near win. After the Republican winner’s resignation, many voters asked themselves, “Why didn’t I vote for Eddie?” Not one to follow a strict party line, Mr. Basha supported the gubernatorial candidacy of his long-time friend and education advocate Jane Dee Hull, a Republican.
Over the next twenty-five years, Eddie Basha sees as most important, “The development of strong native American economic, social and political bonds with Arizona. Together, much good in every sector will evolve because of the strengthening alliance presently underway.”
When asked about the biggest mistake he ever made, Mr. Basha replies, “Not reading instructions- I am too impetuous and I do it daily.” Who does he think might best portray him in a movie? “Telly Savalas, of course, but since he’s dead, how about Marlon Brando? We tip the scales about equally. Or maybe Don Rickles? We have the same sense of humor.”
Eddie Basha’s leadership, along with his financial and in-kind philanthropies, encompasses community health-care providers, religious organizations, the homeless, and community entrepreneurial groups. He sits on such boards as Pinnacle West and the Ft. Apache Heritage Foundation. He is also a member of diverse organizations, including the Alexis de Tocqueville Society, the ASU Capital Campaign for Leadership, the Scottsdale Artists’ School National Advisory Council, and he chaired Kids Voting 2000.
His awards are many and distinct: an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Arizona State University, an Excellence in Leadership award from East Valley Partnership, Community Support Award from Chicanos Por La Causa, Man of the Year from the Arizona Advertising Association, a Torch of Liberty award from the Anti-Defamation League, and Ernst & Young named him “Master Entrepreneur of the Year.”
Eddie Basha’s philosophy about the grocery business is honest and straightforward. “It isn’t about . . . having money. It’s about my grandparents coming to this country to build a better life for their family, and that’s what they did.”
Eddie Basha is married to Nadine Mathis, with whom he has two sons, Joshua and Jeremy. His older sons are Edward (Trey), Ike, Michael, and David. There are six grandchildren.
