Harps Food Stores Expands with 18 New Locations in TN, KY

SPRINGDALE, AR. - Harps Food Stores, headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas, has announced plans to acquire 18 grocery stores across Tennessee and Kentucky. This significant expansion will add to Harps' growing network of stores, reinforcing its presence in the region.

The company has reached an agreement to purchase these 18 locations from Dyer Foods, owned by Joey and Jeanie Hays. The new stores are situated in western Tennessee and southern Kentucky, with specific Tennessee towns including Alamo, Brownsville, Dyersburg, Jackson, and Somerville, alongside a store in Fulton, Kentucky.

Harps has a history of community involvement and support, notably as a long-time sponsor of the North Arkansas Performing Artists Coalition (NAPAC). The company also backs KBHQ-FM "Ozarks Q-ROCK" Radio and The Harrison Post, demonstrating its commitment to the communities that they serve.

Dyer Foods has assured its employees that their jobs and store operations will continue with minimal changes or disruptions once Harps takes over. While the exact timeline is still being finalized, the acquisition is expected to be completed by this summer.

Kim Eskew, Chairman and CEO of Harps Food Stores, expressed enthusiasm for the deal. "We are excited to be able to acquire these stores from the Hays Family. We love small stores in small towns and these stores fit our strategy perfectly," Eskew said. He also praised the Hays family and their staff, looking forward to welcoming them to the Harps team.

This acquisition follows Harps' recent growth, which includes purchasing a store in Mena, Arkansas, and 10 stores from Doc's Food Stores in Oklahoma last year. Harps Food Stores currently operates over 150 locations across Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Oklahoma.