The AV Story

Our journey began in 1945 when the first generation founded the CL Swanson Corporation on the east side of Madison. Returning from college in 1975, eventual AV Foods founder Mike Swanson Sr. reinvigorated the family business with fresh ideas and vision. In 1982, he started Swanson Services Corporation, catering to the corrections industry and setting the stage for what was to come.

On September 1, 2012, Mike Sr., along with Mike Egan and three others, founded AtlantisValley Foods. Starting from scratch without a single account, we were driven by a commitment to excel and innovate. Today, our leadership includes a blend of the second and third generations, many of whom Mike Sr. had previously worked with, creating a strong, familial management team.

Since our inception, we moved from a traditional vending approach to pioneering the micro-market concept—introduced in 2010—which offers a broader range of products and a premium shopping experience. We pride ourselves on not just following but leading market changes, transforming the way our customers think about food and beverage services.

At AtlantisValley, culture is paramount. Our team is encouraged to live our values every day through exceptional pay, benefits, and a family-oriented atmosphere. Our leadership is hands-on, willing to roll up their sleeves and deliver products themselves if needed. This commitment sets the cultural tone and underscores our ethos: leading by example. We thrive on disrupting markets and customizing our services to meet and exceed the expectations of our clients and their employees.

Today, we employ 120 people who share a commitment to innovation and customer service. As we continue to expand and adapt, our focus remains on offering an enhanced dining and shopping experience that anticipates and fulfills the evolving desires of our clients.