Houchens Food Group has acquired Brooks Grocery, a family-owned grocery chain based in Tupelo, Mississippi. The transaction includes three locations: Tupelo and Iuka, Mississippi, and Chapel Hill, Tennessee.
Founded in 2009 by Brooks and Lisa Davis, Brooks Grocery opened its first location in Iuka, then expanded to Chapel Hill in 2020 and Tupelo in 2021. The stores offer everyday essentials, fresh produce, butcher-cut meats and more than 250 “made right here” family recipes.
“While ownership is changing, the Brooks Grocery name and its mission of providing fresh foods and friendly service will remain the same,” said Brooks Davis. “Our customers can continue to expect the same outstanding shopping experience, familiar faces, quality products and unwavering commitment to the communities we serve.”
“We’re excited to welcome Brooks Grocery and its team to the Houchens Food Group family,” said Brian Shillinglaw, COO of Houchens Food Group, who led the acquisition efforts. “Brooks Grocery has earned a strong reputation for customer care, employee support and community involvement. Our goal is to preserve what makes Brooks special while providing the resources and support needed to drive future growth.”
The Food Partners served as strategic and financial advisor to Brooks Grocery in the sale. Operations at all Brooks Grocery locations will continue under Zach Wesson’s leadership, Houchens said. Wesson served as COO of Brooks Grocery and now is VP of retail operations–Brooks Grocery for Houchens Food Group, according to his LinkedIn page.
Bowling Green, Kentucky-based Houchens Food Group traces its roots to 1917, when it opened its first grocery store in Glasgow, Kentucky. The company has grown to more than 400 locations in 15 states, spanning grocery stores, convenience stores, hardware markets and quick service restaurants through in-house and franchised brands including IGA, Price Less, Crossroads, Food Giant, Slim Chickens, Subway and Sonic. Houchens Food Group is 100 percent employee-owned and a subsidiary of Houchens Industries.