Harps Food Stores Inc. is making headlines by agreeing to buy 18 Dyer Foods locations in Tennessee and Kentucky. Kim Eskew, the CEO of Harps, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition. “We love small stores in small towns, and these fit our strategy perfectly,” she mentioned. She also praised the Hays family for their achievements in the community.
Dyer Foods, run by Joey and Jeanie Hays, has been a staple in western Tennessee. Harps is eager to preserve the local charm and respect the existing team as part of the transition. Joey Hays shared, “When we decided to transition, Harps was our first choice. They value their associates and the communities they serve.”
The timing for the acquisition is still in the works, but Harps aims to finalize everything by summer. Meanwhile, Dyer Foods has reassured its employees that operations will continue smoothly, with minimal changes. The stores being acquired are spread across multiple locations in Tennessee, with one in Kentucky.
This acquisition continues a trend for Harps. In 2025, they acquired Doc’s Food Stores in Oklahoma, adding 10 new locations to their portfolio, which had already included 22 stores in the state. Now, with this latest deal, Harps is set to expand even further, signaling its commitment to both growth and community-focused retail.
Harps has a rich history, established in 1930, and currently operates 160 stores across six states, employing over 6,900 people. This expansion reinforces Harps’ strategy of bringing affordable grocery options to smaller communities, which remains a priority today.
The grocery retail landscape is competitive, and smaller chains like Harps are stepping up their game. According to recent statistics, community-based grocery stores are seeing increased customer loyalty, with many shoppers preferring local retailers over larger chains. This trend emphasizes the importance of relationships within towns and could play a huge role in the success of upcoming acquisitions.
As the grocery sector continues to evolve, community-focused strategies will likely become even more vital. For Harps, this acquisition not only enhances its footprint but also strengthens its connection to local communities.
