NEW COMPANY TO BUY SIX HARRIS TEETER STORES

ELLIOT ZWIEBACH

ALTAVISTA, Va. -- Harden Foods, a new corporation based here, has agreed to acquire six stores from Harris Teeter, Charlotte, N.C., that it would operate under the name Fresh 'N Friendly. Russ Harden, president and chief executive officer, said the Fresh 'N Friendly stores will emphasize high-quality fresh perishables and excellent customer service. Harden was vice president of operations for Byrd Food Stores, Burlington, N.C., and formerly worked for Pantry Pride of Florida and Big Star Supermarkets. The six stores -- five in southern Virginia (in Altavista, Amherst, Salem, South Boston and South Hill) and one in Reidsville, N.C. -- range from 25,000 to 30,000 square feet and generate an estimated volume of $35 million. They would be supplied by Richfood, Mechanicsville, Va. Richfood executives told SN Harden would be the wholesaler's first full-service customer in North Carolina, which would enable the company to seek more customers in the South. The sale of the six stores is expected to be completed by late next month. Terms were not disclosed. Harris Teeter said the locations of the stores are not compatible with its long-term strategic objectives. According to observers, the units are too small and are located in smaller towns.