Background
Basha was born in Chandler, Arizona, where his father owned a grocery business.
Basha was born in Chandler, Arizona, where his father owned a grocery business.
He graduated from Chandler High School and then obtained a degree in History at Stanford University.
The first store under the Bashas" banner was opened in Chandler, Arizona. The Bashas were originally from the country of Lebanon, entering the United States by way of New York City. They moved from New York City to Arizona in 1910.
Upon the death of Ike, Eddie Basha, Senior continued running Bashas".
Eddie Basha Junior. took full control of the family business upon the death of his father. Beginning in 1968, Basha expanded the small company to a nationwide chain of 160 stores.
Basha ran an unsuccessful campaign as the Democratic nominee against incumbent Arizona Governor Fife Symington in 1994. He was a supporter of many charitable and civic causes, particularly working with education and the poor in Arizona.
He supported same-sex marriage during his gubernatorial campaign, years before it became an issue for contemporary society in the early 21st century.