Rouses Markets Acquires Leblanc’s Food Stores

Two Louisiana families, the Rouses and LeBlancs, have each built their own successful chain of grocery stores. Now they are combining forces under one banner, Rouses Markets, to better serve the Gulf Coast. The transition is expected to be complete later this month bringing the total number of Rouses Markets to 54.

The announcement comes a little more than a month since Rouses Markets opened their first store in Baton Rouge, but has been in the planning stages for a while. The Rouse and LeBlanc families are longtime friends and share a common philosophy, history and commitment to community. “This really is a perfect fit,” says Donny Rouse, managing partner of Rouses Markets. “We share very similar values. We have both built our businesses on quality, selection, service and low prices. We are both strong community supporters. We are both dedicated to buying local and supporting local fishermen and farmers.” LeBlanc's Food Stores has nine stores, five which operate as Frais Marche’, Baton Rouge, Zachary, Duplessis, Gonzales, and Prairieville, and four additional locations in Donaldsonville, Hammond, Plaquemine, and Plattenville.

Rouses Markets was founded 66 years ago by Anthony J. Rouse, Sr., Donny Rouse’s grandfather. It has tripled in size in the past decade thanks to an aggressive strategy that included new stores in South Louisiana, and along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and Lower Alabama. The company has consistently been voted best supermarket and best place to work.

L.C. LeBlanc opened the first LeBlanc's Food Stores in Gonzales in 1961. His sons Marcy and Randy helped grow the company into one of the largest independent grocers in Louisiana. In a prepared statement announcing the sale, Marcy and Randy LeBlanc thanked their customers and employees for their years of service and dedication. “We both want to thank all of our current and past employees for their contributions to the success of LeBlanc’s. Without you, none of this would have been possible. The continued success of the supermarket operations we built are now with an established company well positioned to compete in a competitive retail environment.”

Donny Rouse is excited to welcome LeBlanc’s associates to the team. “This is a tremendous opportunity for everyone to work together and learn from one another. I know LeBlanc’s associates will appreciate the level of training we offer, and the commitment we make to our team members and community.”