Harps Food Stores Inc. has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire Craven Foods, a grocery store in the Fairfield Bay, Arkansas.
Craven Foods will close at the end of the day May 19, and reopen two days later as a Harps Food Store.
Craven Foods has been a cornerstone of the community, known for its friendly atmosphere and personalized customer service. Springdale, Arkansas-based Harps Food Stores said it shares the same values and aims to preserve and enhance the traditions of Craven Foods.
Jimmy and Teresa Craven, owners of Craven Foods, expressed gratitude and optimism about the transition.
“Serving the Fairfield Bay community for the past several years has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Jimmy Craven said.
“I’m incredibly thankful for the loyalty and support of our customers and employees over the years. While it’s bittersweet to step away, I know Harps shares our same values of community, service and quality. I’m confident they will continue taking great care of our town.”
Kim Eskew, chairman and CEO of Harps Food Stores, welcomed Craven Foods into the Harps family.
“Jimmy and his team have built something truly special here, and we’re honored to carry that legacy forward,” Eskew said. “As an employee-owned company, we’re committed to offering the highest quality products and outstanding customer service, while remaining deeply connected to the communities we serve.”
Customers can expect a smooth transition, with the same employees as before. The store will offer shoppers a large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with Harps Black Angus beef, all natural pork and poultry. It also will feature grocery, health and beauty care, dairy and frozen departments, as well as bakery and deli products.
Harps operates 148 stores in six states – Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Oklahoma. Founded by Harvard and Floy Harp in Springdale in 1930, it has grown to become the largest employee-owned company in Arkansas.
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