B&R Acquiring Heartland Foods Store

Lincoln, Neb.-based B&R Stores Inc. is acquiring Heartland Foods’ store in Beatrice, Neb., which will be converted to a Russ’s Market when the deal wraps, which is expected to be in late October.

“Russ’s Market has been serving customers in the state of Nebraska for over 50 years,” said Pat Raybould, president of B&R Stores Inc., which includes 19 stores under several banners, including Russ’s Market, Super Saver and Apple Market in Nebraska and Iowa. “The cities of Lincoln, Hastings and Waverly have welcomed us and we have worked to become a part of the fabric of the community. We look forward to expanding that same dedication and service to the community of Beatrice.”

The Heartland Foods ownership group has operated the store B&R is acquiring since October 2009. "We have really enjoyed our time in Beatrice,” said John Dyer, supervising co-owner of Heartland Foods, which also operates five grocery stores and one liquor store in Kansas. “We're proud of the employee relationships we've built over the years, and we greatly appreciate the loyal customer following we've enjoyed. Beatrice has proven to be a good place for us to do business."

The existing employees will be interviewed next week with a goal of retaining “as many employees as we can. We want to make this a smooth transition for both customers and employees,” said Russ’s Market District Manager Nick Kelso. “We are thrilled to bring the Russ’s Market family to a great, new city.”

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.