B&R Stores to purchase another Nebraska-based grocer

B&R Stores Inc. is acquiring Mason’s Market, located in Minden, Nebraska, with the purchase agreement set to be finalized on June 19, the Lincoln, Nebraska-based grocery retailer announced.

“We are proud to have the opportunity to serve the customers of Minden,” said Mark Griffin, president of B&R Stores, in a statement. “We look forward to working with the current employees of the store.”

Mason’s Market, originally established by Tom and Edda Mason, has been a cornerstone of the Minden community since the 1950s.

In 1984, Craig Space assumed ownership of the store, followed by his son Riley Space, who joined the family business in 2011 after his honorable military service.

“I would like to thank the community for shopping with my family for many years and thank the employees for their loyal service," Craig Space said in a statement. “The support we have received has been truly remarkable.”

Over the past decade, Mason’s Market has been modernized and undergone store updates to meet the needs of shoppers in Minden. The store will continue to operate under the Mason’s Market banner, while also benefiting from B&R Stores’ extensive resources and expertise in the grocery industry, B&R reported.

Looking to expand its growth in Nebraska, B&R Stores this past spring also announced plans to acquire Joe’s Market in Loup City, Nebraska, following the decision of the owners, Joe and Pat Kowalski, to retire after 30 years of service.

In April, B&R Stores Inc. promoted Nick Kelso to vice president of store operations to oversee the company’s 33 stores across Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri. He will also serve on the company’s executive committee, the company said.

Kelso joined the company as a clerk in Omaha, and later he rose through the ranks, serving in various roles such as store director and district manager. He now brings 23 years of experience at B&R Stores to his new role.

Founded in 1964 by Russ and Anita Raybould, B&R Stores has grown to include several supermarket banners, including Russ’s Market, Super Saver, Apple Market, Allen’s, Cash Saver, C&R Markets and Joe’s Market in Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri.