Copps Food Center

Copps Food Center was a well-known grocery chain deeply rooted in Wisconsin's retail history. Established in 1892 by E.M. Copps in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, it began as a small, family-run grocery store. Over the years, it expanded significantly, becoming a key player in central and northern Wisconsin with its full-service supermarkets. Known for a wide range of groceries, fresh produce, bakery, and deli items, Copps was celebrated for its dedication to customer service and local sourcing.

A pivotal moment for Copps came in 2001 when it was acquired by Roundy’s Supermarkets, Inc., a Milwaukee-based grocery conglomerate. This acquisition allowed Copps to leverage Roundy’s extensive distribution network while retaining its unique brand identity. Under Roundy’s ownership, Copps continued to thrive, adapting to consumer trends by expanding its organic and specialty product offerings.

In 2015, Roundy’s was acquired by The Kroger Co., one of the largest supermarket operators in the United States, marking another significant chapter in Copps’ history. Following this acquisition, Kroger began to consolidate its store banners in Wisconsin. By November 2018, the Copps name was retired, with most locations rebranded as Pick ‘n Save or closed, ending over 125 years of operations under the Copps banner.

At its height, Copps operated more than 20 stores, primarily in central and northern Wisconsin, with a strong presence in cities like Stevens Point, Appleton, and Green Bay. The legacy of Copps continues through the presence of these former locations, now operating under the Pick ‘n Save brand. For commercial real estate professionals, the story of Copps illustrates the evolution and consolidation trends within the grocery sector, emphasizing the importance of scale and adaptability in the industry. Today, while the Copps brand itself is no longer active, its former sites remain vital components of the Wisconsin grocery market under the stewardship of Kroger and Pick ‘n Save.