The Story of Houchens Food Group

Houchens Food Group was originally founded in Glasgow, Kentucky, by Ervin G. Houchens in 1917 as Houchens Foods.

A century later, Houchens Food Group operates more than 400 retail grocery, convenience, hardware stores and quick service restaurant across 15 states.

1917
On New Year’s Day in 1917, Ervin Houchens opens the first Houchens General Store in Barren County, Kentucky.
1919
In 1919, Ervin Houchens bought two acres of land and built a 40 ft. by 24 ft. store with a room in the back large enough for his bed.
1920's
Ervin and Eloise ran the store until 1928 when he left the store to become a farmer.  But by the end of the decade he was back in the grocery business.  Houchens seized an opportunity to take over a bankrupt grocery store located in Glasgow, Ky.
1931
Undaunted by the Great Depression, Ervin began expanding his enterprise with the addition of 3 more locations in Glasgow, Ky.
1936
In 1936, the first out of town stores were opened in Munfordville and Scottsville, Ky.
1939
Ervin Houchens opened his largest store yet in Bowling Green, Ky.  Here he introduced the “Self-Service” concept.  This store made history with the first live broadcast of a radio program from a store in Bowling Green on WLBJ radio.
1945
In 1945 the Glasgow warehouse and store were destroyed by fire and the Houchens headquarters relocated to Bowling Green, Ky. The Houchens Foundation was established.
1940's
Expansion continues as more stores open in surrounding counties including Larue, Logan, and Monroe.
1950's
To keep up with the newly thriving U.S. Economy, Ervin continued to add stores to his list of locations in order to sell at volume.  This included his first out-of-state store in Lafayette, Tn. The 1950’s also introduced new technology such as key punch cards, retail packaged frozen foods and self-service meats.
1960
In 1960, Houchens launched the employee profit-sharing program.  This program set aside 15% of each employee’s salary into a fund which would be fully vested in 15 years.
1960's
Growth continued at a rapid rate for the Houchens chain throughout the 60’s.  New Houchens Market locations where introduced to 7 new towns including continued growth in Tennessee.
1970's
By the end of the 70’s, Houchens had 55 supermarkets in operation and it’s first plaza shopping center; the shopping center sold everything from groceries and hardware to medicine and variety items.
1983
Ervin G. Houchens retires at the age of 85.  Ruel Houchens become new president of Houchens Industries.
Mid-1980s
For a brief period of time in the mid-1980’s, Houchens was sold to Pomodes, parent company of Chattanooga based Red Food Stores.
1988
On November 12th, Houchens employees bought back the company and established an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) and the company became 100% employee owned.
1990
In January of 1990, Houchens opens the first of many Save-A-Lot locations.
1992
Houchens founder Ervin G. Houchens passes away leaving behind a legacy that changed the lives of thousands of people.
1993
After 25 years of service, Jimmie Gipson is elected President & Chief Executive Officer.  A role he would fill until his retirement 27 years later in 2020.
1998
Houchens acquires 42 Jr. Food Store locations, a local convenience store chain.
2004
Food Giant joins Houchens family, adding approximately 2500 employees and 90 supermarkets in 8 states.
2005
The first Crossroads IGA location opens in Rockfield, Ky.
2007
Houchens opens its first Sonic Drive-Thru franchise location in the Dayton, OH area.
2015
Franchised with Ace Hardware, the first Houchens owned Ace Hardware store opened on May 22, 2015. Houchens currently operates 44 Ace Hardware stores in 4 states.
2017
In 2017, Houchens celebrates its 100 year anniversary by hosting a birthday celebration for Houchens employees and their families.  After a century of growth, Houchens boasts 18,000+ employees and is still 100% employee owned.
April 2020
After serving as the Vice President of Houchens Industries for 10 years, Dion Houchins is promoted to CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Houchins stated, “[His] number one priority is the ensure the Houchens Employee Stock Ownership Plan has a sustainable future.”
May 2021
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Franchised with Slim Chickens, the first Houchens owned Slim Chickens open on May 19, 2021 along side the first Crossroads Express location. Houchens currently owns 9 Slim Chickens locations in 2 states.
2021
Jimmy Nichols is promoted to President & COO of Houchens Food Group.

Looking Forward....

Houchens Food Group continues to focus on delivering exceptional customer service and improving employees’ lives.  We plan to build off over a century of dedication and look forward to another century of growth and success and delivering value to our employee-owners.