Balls Food Stores Converts Former Schulte's To Hen House Market

Balls Food Stores held a grand opening May 15 for its Hen House Market at 1904 Southwest Blvd. in Jefferson City, Missouri – marking the next chapter for the former Schulte’s Fresh Foods location.

The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, family activities, food samples and community festivities celebrating the store’s transition. The location became part of Balls following the Schulte family’s decision to sell the business in October as they prepared for retirement.

“The Balls family has spent more than 100 years in the grocery business, so at Balls Food Stores, we understand the responsibility that comes with carrying forward a local family legacy,” said Ryan Campbell, president.

“What the Schulte family built in Jefferson City matters to this community, and we take that responsibility seriously.”

Campbell noted that Balls Food Stores entered a new chapter in 2024 when the company became employee-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).

“That transition reinforced what grocery stores represent in a community,” Campbell said. “They are places where people gather, connect and build relationships week after week. We are proud to now be part of Jefferson City and committed to honoring what made this store special while continuing to invest in its future.”

Hen House Market emphasized that many of the store’s longtime staples are unchanged, including the store’s doughnuts, fine meats department and the employees who customers have come to know over the years.

This “add, never subtract” philosophy respects the emotional attachment that longtime customers have to familiar products – changing too much too fast risks alienating the customer base.

“The doughnuts are staying the same – same people, same recipes, same process,” said James Fiene, store director. “The same goes for our meat department and many of the traditions customers love about this store.”

While preserving the store’s identity, Hen House Market is introducing enhancements aimed at expanding value, variety and freshness. These include expanded produce offerings with additional local and organic selections, wider grocery assortment and international food offerings and fresh sushi prepared in-house. Future prepared food additions will include a wing bar and additional everyday value throughout the store.

The location has introduced select Hen House favorites, including Tippin’s Pies and an expanded Harry’s Liquor selection.

“Our approach has been simple from day one: add, but never subtract,” Campbell said. “We’ve spent our time listening and learning from both customers and teammates to understand what makes this store such an important part of Jefferson City.”