I guessed Publix. I'm also not surprised by Stew Leonard's (wish we had them here!).

Scottrade probably has enough turnover that they don't need to worry about layoffs :D

I notice that the companies that made the list (with the exception of AFLAC and Scottrade) are regional.

I'm guessing not a lot of Harvard MBAs in the management at those companies (actually, a disproportionate amount appear to be family owned / legacy type top management).

Other than AFLAC, I've never heard of the other companies in my life.

Weird that Cadieux is Cadieux I and his son is III.

@theblackdog:
And privately owned to boot! Meaning they are not publicly listed on the markets.

It was not surprising at all to see that Stew's made the list. They're the best grocery store I've ever been to. I hope they expand even through this recession.

I want to go there now.. mmmm..

@theblackdog: I noticed that, also. I'd even say micro-regional for a couple of them. I think that has a great effect on the management that the CEO's can provide since the variables of growth and operation are a lot smaller and easier to predict. You can't say the same when you're a company running over 2000 stores as a smaller regional chain running 50 or 100. Still a fun list to read.

@hellinmyeyes: The interesting thing is that I believe Publix is approaching 1,000 stores, but they've spent 80 years growing slowly and within their grasp (5-6 states now?)

Best full-line grocer I've ever used. Not perfect, but pretty damn good.

Don't think I could work at a place called "Nugget Market". To many jokes from my family.

Sorry for the almost-unrelated topic, but shame on Forbes for not just explaining things in one page and making us endlessly click through each page.

@theblackdog: My first impression was that they are all relatively new companies.

I work at one on the list! Though this wasn't really news to me but it's always nice to see us get some recognition.

@Chris Stone: I agree! I started to read the article, but stopped when I saw how many clicks it would take to read it!

@Chris Stone: artificial page view inflation.

@Nighthawke: Correct. It's a lot easier to make the decision to opt against layoffs and "ride out the market" when you don't have to answer to shareholders.

My company (small, under 20 years old, privately-owned) has never had a layoff either. Until three weeks ago when we lost about 25% of our co-workers. This economy has hit hard.

@Anathema777: Had never had a layoff, that should say. Obviously.

@Chris Stone: Nah. Thanks for saying it because I was thinkin' it.

@Addicted To Chocohol: Probably should not admit those things to the world.