Fresh Encounter to acquire Remke Markets

Family-run Remke Markets said Friday that it has entered into an agreement to sell itself to Fresh Encounter, the Findlay, Ohio-based operator of several independent retail brands.

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Remke, based in Erlanger, Ky., said its 10 stores, located around the Cincinnati area, would remain open. In connection with the deal, Bill Remke, the company’s third-generation CEO, said he would retire after 60 years. Remke was founded by his predecessors in 1897.

Remke had closed three stores since 2015. In 2010 it acquired six Bigg’s stores from its supplier, Supervalu.

Fresh Encounter operates the Great Scot, Community Markets and Chief Supermarket brands doing business in Ohio and Indiana. It acquired Chief in late 2014.

The ownership change could represent a supply change. Fresh Encounters and its brands are supplied by SpartanNash while Remke is serviced by Supervalu.

A Fresh Encounter executive was not immediately available for comment.