Purple Crow Launches $50M Headquarters at Landmark Whitaker Park; Ken Langone to Attend June 11 Ribbon Cutting in Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem, North Carolina Jun 5, 2025  – Ken Langone, prominent American businessman, philanthropist, and co-founder of Home Depot, will headline the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Purple Crow’s $50 million headquarters at the former RJR Whitaker Park.

, a major Hispanic grocery distributor operating along the East Coast, is pleased to announce the grand opening of its new headquarters in Winston-Salem, NC’s Whitaker Park. The company invites news outlets and media representatives to cover the ribbon-cutting event on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 1001 Reynolds Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC 27105. , a national trade publication dedicated to the Hispanic food and beverage sector, will also be relocating its offices to the new facility, further cementing the relationship between the two entities.

The event signifies a major milestone for both Purple Crow and the surrounding area. The $50 million investment will consolidate operations at the historic Whitaker Park site and is projected to foster long-term job creation, offering competitive salaries that surpass the local average. The relocation of Abasto Media—already a significant voice in the industry—adds another dimension of strategic alignment and expansion.

Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future

As part of the ceremony, executives from R.J. Reynolds (RJR) will present Purple Crow’s board with the original shovel used during the groundbreaking of the facility in 1958—a symbolic gesture connecting the site’s heritage to a forward-looking role in North Carolina’s economy.

The program will include:

• Ribbon-cutting ceremony
• Keynote speeches

Attendees will include:

• Mayor Allen Joines, City of Winston-Salem
• Chief William Penn, Winston-Salem Police Department
• Denise D. Adams, Mayor Pro Tempore, City of Winston-Salem
• Representatives from North Carolina’s Senate and Congressional offices
• Claudia Velasco Osorio, Consul General of Mexico in Raleigh

 Investors and Board Members in Attendance:

• , philanthropist and co-founder of The Home Depot
• Thomas L. Teague, President and CEO, Salem Corporation
• Carlos Evans, former EVP, Wells Fargo
• , Executive Chairman, Unifi, Inc., and former CEO, PepsiCo North America
• Bruce M. Langone, President, Invemed Associates, LLC
• Steve Spinner, former Chairman and CEO of United Natural Foods (UNFI)
• Dan Calhoun, President and CEO of Purple Crow and Abasto Media
• Nathaniel Calhoun, EVP of Purple Crow
• Phil Calhoun, EVP of Purple Crow

“This is more than just a ribbon-cutting; it’s a pivotal moment,” stated Dan Calhoun, President of Purple Crow. “We are honored to celebrate with our community of vendors, customers, and employees, who have made this incredible achievement possible.”

Media coverage is encouraged. To arrange individual interviews with VIP guests, please contact Gus Calabro at gcalabro@abasto.com (336) 486-2424 or Lucy Calhoun at lucycalhoun@purplecrow.com (336) 749-4562.

We invite members of the press to join us for what is sure to be a memorable evening filled with engaging conversation, networking opportunities, and exceptional hospitality.

Media Contact: Gus Calabro, Abasto Media, gcalabro@abasto.com (336) 486-2424, 

Lucy Calhoun lucycalhoun@purplecrow.com (336) 749-4562

About Purple Crow 

Purple Crow ranks among the largest Hispanic food and beverage distributors on the East Coast, proudly supplying retailers, restaurants, and foodservice operators with a wide array of premium products. Driven by a strong dedication to community and economic advancement, Purple Crow is revolutionizing the industry through innovation, strategic alliances, and a focus on culturally relevant offerings. In 2024, the company broadened its operations to the historic former R.J. Reynolds campus in Winston-Salem, NC, where it is committed to expanding its regional presence and workforce. Purple Crow is guided by a team of passionate industry leaders, including philanthropist and board chairman Ken Langone, co-founder of Home Depot.

About Abasto Media
Abasto Media stands as the foremost B2B multimedia platform serving professionals within the Hispanic grocery and food industry in the United States. Through its magazine, website, newsletters, and events, Abasto equips brands, retailers, and distributors with the insights and resources necessary for success in an evolving multicultural market. With a foundation of reliable journalism and industry expertise, Abasto Media spotlights industry trends, success stories, and strategic opportunities within the Hispanic retail sector. Whether in print or digital format, Abasto is the central hub for the Hispanic food industry.