Roni Daniel

Class of 2015

Roni says his upbringing in Israel and his determination to find success in the U.S. were the driving forces of his industry accomplishments, including getting the broker network to view Jetro Cash & Carry/Restaurant Depot as a national account that competes within different classes of trade.

Born August 25, 1962, in Hadera, Israel, to Gabi and Batya, Roni is the oldest of three; he has a sister Yael Kain and brother Ilan. He studied at Ort Netanya, in Israel, eventually earning a degree in Practical Electrical Engineering.

Upon completion of his coursework in 1981, Roni began his service with the Israeli Defense Force’s Air Force as an engineer. During his tenure he took evening classes at Technion in Haifa, earning a teacher’s certificate in electricity in 1984. The following year he competed his military service, achieving the rank of Sergeant First Class. He then began his studies in economics, political science and education at Hebrew University, in Jerusalem, graduating in 1989 with a bachelor of arts degree.

In June 1991, Roni married Sharon Ronan in Hadera, while she was attending medical school in Tel Aviv. Together they have three children: Adam, Leigh and Ben.

He began his career in retail in 1988 with supermarket Supersol as an assistant branch manager. After working at the Tel Aviv-based retailer for four years, the Daniel family moved to the U.S. and Roni began working as an assistant branch manager-in-training for Jetro Cash & Carry. He quickly became branch manager for the retailer’s Bronx location, its largest store.

In 1997, he became a candy and snack buyer for the East coast region, moving to national buyer in 1998. In the years to come, additional categories — beverages, general merchandise and grocery — were added to his coverage.

Eventually he became responsible for all retail products at the company, being promoted in 2002 to national vice-president of all retail categories. During the past 13 years the firm has expanded into 33 states with more than 110 locations and continues to grow.

Included in that store count is Crazy Roni, a Restaurant Depot converted into a warehouse specifically tailored for candy, snacks and beverages. Named for him after he came up with the retail format, Roni says it is a testament to his commitment to the industry.

A member of Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co.’s customer advisory board for five years, Roni is a regular contributor to foundations involved with cancer research and hunger organizations in both the U.S. and Israel.

In his free time, he enjoys music, sports, travel and spending time with family and friends.

Roni passed away August 31, 2016.