This story has been updated to add more information.
ASHEVILLE – For years, Western North Carolina residents have been frustrated by what they describe as a lack of communication from the regional grocery chain Ingles. Now, a prominent minority shareholder is getting involved.
The Sackler family office is seeking a spot on the Ingles Markets Inc. board of directors, arguing that the Southeastern U.S. grocery chain has significantly underperformed as chairman Robert “Bobby” Ingle II’s “apparent preoccupation with non-income-producing real estate” has sent it into an “era of darkness.” With a series of purchases in recent years, the Sackler family office possesses a small stake in Ingles’ stock…