Springdale, Arkansas-based Harps Food Stores Inc. has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire Beachler’s Hometown Market, an independent grocery retailer at 1000 West Main St. in Prague, Oklahoma.
Beachler’s has been in Prague for more than 45 years. Harps plans to continue to operate as a community-focused grocer, as well as retain the current staff.
“Since 1978, I have been fortunate and grateful to be a member of the Prague community,” said Keith Beachler, owner of Beachler’s Hometown Market.
“Departing after such a lengthy period is difficult, but it is now time for me to retire. After reviewing several options, I feel that Harps is by far the best option for our great employees, as well as an outstanding business partner for the city of Prague.”
Beachler’s will close end of business day on April 9 and reopen as Harps on April 13. The 17,485-square-foot store will offer customers a large variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, along with Harps Black Angus beef, all natural pork and poultry, as well as well-stocked grocery, health and beauty care, dairy and frozen departments.
The store hours will remain 7 a.m.-9 p.m. every day.
“We are excited to welcome Beachler’s to the Harps family,” said Kim Eskew, chairman and CEO of Harps Food Stores. “Our goal is to provide the same quality products and exceptional customer service that the Prague community have come to expect.”
Harps is a 100 percent employee-owned company, operating 143 stores in six states, including Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana and Kansas. Harps is the largest employee-owned company in Arkansas and was founded by Harvard and Floy Harp in 1930. Since then, the company has grown to employ more than 7,200 people.
For more information about the company and its history, visit harpsfood.com.
To read more independent store news from The Shelby Report, click here.
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