Kroger Remembers Fry's Founder Chuck Fry

Services will be held Jan. 27 for Charles “Chuck” Fry, one of two brothers who co-founded Phoenix-based Fry’s Food Stores and who passed away Jan. 20 at age 91.

“Chuck was a visionary in the grocery industry and an inspiration to those around him,” Mike Donnelly, EVP and chief operating officer of The Kroger Co., which owns Fry’s today, said in a statement.

Fry co-founded Fry’s with his brother, Don, in 1960. Don passed away in 2006.

Fry’s became a market leader in Arizona’s competitive grocery market with a strong reputation for quality and fresh products that continues today.

In 1972, Fry’s Food Stores merged with Dillons, and Chuck became a member of the board of directors. Two and a half years later, he returned as president of all of Fry’s and managed them according to the family’s successful methods. He retired in 1983, the same year that Dillons merged with Kroger.

Chuck helped his sons found the California electronics chain also known as Fry’s.

“We honor Chuck for his dedication to associates and commitment to customer service. His passion and hard work laid the foundation of Fry’s Food Stores, which extends to 122 stores throughout Arizona,” Donnelly said.