About Us

Roger Drake commenced his working career with the Coles Myer Group in 1965. After working his way through all facets of the supermarket industry he decided to put his skill into his own company and in 1974 he opened his first supermarket - Jack and Jill's, a 3-lane supermarket at Mitcham. He employed 4 staff. In 1977 the company opened its first large supermarket at Torrensville and has since expanded to become South Australia's largest independent supermarket chain, extending from Wallaroo in the north, to Seaford in the south and Kingscote across the water. Between 1998 - 2001, the group underwent a period of unprecedented growth, more than doubling in size, and in 2004 the company expanded into Queensland acquiring 6 Supa IGA Stores.

In 1998 Roger Drake was awarded the IGA International Retailer of the Year Award - he is one of only 3 Australians to ever receive this recognition. In 2003 he was named Ernst & Young Master Entrepreneur of the Year for Central Australia and was inducted into Family Business Association Hall of Fame (1st Generation) in 2004. The company itself has also won numerous awards as part of the Messenger Press Small Business Awards and they have been recognised for their commitment to Occupational Health and Safety and Injury Management through the Self Insurers of South Australia and as part of the Safe Work Awards.

The Drake Supermarkets group employs over 4000 staff nationally and is now a small corporation. Nevertheless, its strength lies in operating on the principles of a family business, and the company's senior management team work very hard at maintaining the culture. Roger Drake prides himself on knowing as many of his staff as he can by name. He spends time every day out in his supermarkets, talking to staff and customers alike, and always endeavouring to improve the level of service the company provides.

Our Goals

The VISION of Drake Foodmarkets is to be the leading independent retailer in the world.

The MISSION of the company is to be a dedicated team of professional retailers who will consistently provide our customer with quality products, value and superior service, ensuring an enjoyable shopping experience.

Our Core Values

Our values underpin everything we do and stand for at Drake Supermarkets and we expect all of our people to enjoy living them.

Our customers are the most important people in our stores. We will do our utmost to satisfy their needs and exceed their expectations.
We provide our staff with security and a career path knowing that competent and dedicated staff are the basis of our success.
We retail quality products in cooperation with professional suppliers.
Our stores are modern, clean and well presented with a friendly atmosphere.
We operate our business in a forward planning professional and efficient manner.
We support our community wherever possible.
We provide a safe environment for our customers, staff and suppliers and comply with all legislative requirements.

Our Pledge

It is our endeavour at all times to supply our customers with the highest quality merchandise at the lowest possible price.