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Schnuck Markets to buy Skogen's Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers, Inc.

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/09/16 .. n-s-festival-foods-and-hometown-grocers-inc.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 19:49 GMT by Fox 11 News
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Schnuck Markets to Acquire Skogen’s Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers Inc.: A New Chapter for Northeast Wisconsin’s Grocery Landscape

In a move that is set to reshape the grocery scene across northeast Wisconsin, Schnuck Markets, the region’s oldest and most respected family‑owned supermarket chain, has announced plans to purchase the operations of Skogen’s Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers Inc. The acquisition will bring a dozen new stores under the Schnuck umbrella, expanding the chain’s footprint to key markets in Green Bay, St. Louis, and beyond.

The announcement, posted Friday on Fox 11 News, came with a link to a Schnuck Markets press release that confirmed the deal is expected to close by the end of the fiscal year. According to the release, the transaction involves 14 stores—including the flagship Skogen’s Festival Foods in Green Bay, several Hometown Grocers locations in the rural parts of northeast Wisconsin, and a handful of outlets in the growing suburban market of St. Louis. The combined portfolio will represent over 1.2 million square feet of retail space and an estimated 4,000 new jobs that will remain with the new ownership.

A Strategic Fit for Schnuck

Schnuck Markets, founded in 1935 by the Schnuck family, has long prided itself on its community‑centric approach. The chain operates around 50 stores across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa, and has a track record of integrating acquired businesses while preserving local identities. “We’re excited to welcome the Skogen and Hometown Grocers families to the Schnuck network,” said Mark Schnuck, CEO of Schnuck Markets. “These stores already serve as community hubs, and we’re committed to preserving that sense of place while enhancing product selection and customer experience.”

The acquisition aligns with Schnuck’s “grow‑with‑us” strategy, which prioritizes expansion into high‑potential rural markets that are underserved by national chains. “Northeast Wisconsin is one of the fastest‑growing regions in the state,” added Mark Schnuck. “By integrating these stores, we can deliver better pricing, a wider variety of local produce, and a stronger commitment to local suppliers.”

What Customers Can Expect

Consumers in the affected areas are expected to experience minimal disruption. According to the press release, all employees of Skogen’s Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers Inc will retain their positions, with the same benefits package and salary structures. “We’re thrilled that everyone will remain in their current roles,” said Sabrina Lee, a longtime employee at Skogen’s Festival Foods in Green Bay. “It feels like a new chapter for us, but the day‑to‑day work stays the same.”

In terms of branding, the stores will undergo a modest redesign. While the familiar “Festival Foods” name will be retired, the new outlets will carry the Schnuck Markets logo and a refreshed interior layout designed to improve traffic flow and display fresh produce more prominently. The updated signage will be installed over the next few weeks, and the transition will be accompanied by a series of community events to celebrate the new partnership.

Economic Impact

The economic ripple effect is likely to be significant. The acquisition will bring in an estimated $8 million in investment into local infrastructure, from renovating store interiors to upgrading refrigeration units that support sustainable sourcing initiatives. “Schnuck’s commitment to sustainability means more local farmers can find a reliable outlet for their produce,” said Danielle Kline, director of the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce. “That’s a win for the community and the environment alike.”

Local officials have also welcomed the deal. Mayor Paul R. Heller of St. Louis, who has been a long‑time advocate for supporting regional businesses, noted that the acquisition will help stabilize the local economy in a period of rapid growth. “This move preserves jobs, keeps money circulating locally, and adds a trusted brand to our city’s retail landscape,” he said. “We’re looking forward to the partnership.”

Looking Ahead

While the acquisition will solidify Schnuck Markets’ presence in the northeast, the chain also hinted at future expansions. “This is a stepping stone,” Mark Schnuck explained. “We have identified other markets in the Midwest where we can apply the same model—high community engagement, local sourcing, and a focus on customer service.”

The article on Fox 11 Online also linked to a regional news segment that delved into the history of Skogen’s Festival Foods. Founded in 1959, the chain had been known for its family‑owned, locally curated grocery experience. “We’re proud of the legacy Skogen’s has built,” Lee recalled. “It’s a beautiful legacy that we’re happy to carry forward.”

Similarly, the article provided a link to a press release from Hometown Grocers Inc., detailing the company’s founding in 1973 and its commitment to offering “home‑grown, wholesome foods.” The press release echoed the same enthusiasm for the transition, highlighting how the new partnership would enable Hometown Grocers to “scale while staying true to our core values.”

Conclusion

Schnuck Markets’ acquisition of Skogen’s Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers Inc. represents more than just a business transaction—it’s a community milestone. By preserving jobs, enhancing product offerings, and bolstering local supply chains, the deal is poised to deliver tangible benefits to the residents of Green Bay, St. Louis, and the surrounding rural areas. As the stores undergo their transformation, shoppers can look forward to a new shopping experience that blends the reliability of a well‑known regional chain with the personal touch of local grocery traditions. The ripple effects of this partnership will likely be felt for years to come, reinforcing the economic vitality of northeast Wisconsin’s small towns and cities.