Harps Food Stores to acquire Beachler's Hometown Market

Springdale, Arkansas-based Harps Food Stores  has entered into a purchase agreement to acquire Beachler’s Hometown Market, an independent grocery retailer in Prague, Oklahoma, the company announced late Friday.

The 17,485-square-foot Beachler’s, which has been a staple in the Prague community for over 45 years, will continue to operate as a community-focused grocer and will retain its current staff, Harps said in a statement.

“Since 1978, I have been fortunate and grateful to be a member of the Prague community,” said Keith Beachler, owner of Beachler’s Hometown Market, in a statement. “Departing after such a lengthy period is difficult, but it is now time for me to retire. After reviewing several options, I feel that Harps is by far the best option for our great employees as well as an outstanding business partner for the city of Prague.”

Beachler’s will close on April 9 and will reopen on April 13 as Harps, carrying the grocer’s signature Harps Black Angus beef, all-natural pork and poultry; as well as grocery, health and beauty care, dairy and frozen departments. The new store hours will be 7 a.m. to 9 p.m, seven days a week.

“We are excited to welcome Beachler’s to the Harps family,” said Kim Eskew, chairman and CEO of Harps Food Stores, in a statement. “Our goal is to provide the same quality products and exceptional customer service that the Prague community have come to expect.”

Later this month Harps Food Stores will host a grand opening of its  newly remodeled grocery store in Jay, Oklahoma.

The 25,000-square-foot store will open its doors on March 22 and will be located at 1107 South Main Street, which was formerly a Walmart.

Last October, Harps Food Stores entered into a purchase agreement to acquire The Markets, an independent grocery retailer with seven locations across central Louisiana and southwestern Mississippi, the company said Monday.

Employee-owned Harps operates 143 stores in six states: Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana and Kansas. Founded by Harvard and Floy Harp in Springdale, Arkansas, in 1930, the company now employs more than 7,200 associates.