Food Lion

Food Lion is a prominent grocery retailer based in Salisbury, North Carolina, operating more than 1,100 stores across ten Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states as of November 2025. The company began in 1957 as a single neighborhood market and has steadily grown into a leading regional supermarket chain. Food Lion is part of Ahold Delhaize USA, which is itself owned by the global grocery group Ahold Delhaize, providing the brand with substantial resources and operational expertise.

Over the past five years, Food Lion has focused on modernizing its stores and expanding its reach. A notable milestone occurred in 2024, when the company invested $484 million to remodel 153 stores in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to upgrade locations throughout its core markets, which include North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, and Maryland. Food Lion continues to enhance the customer experience by expanding its omnichannel services, such as curbside pickup and home delivery, while maintaining a strong presence in both established and emerging markets.

The company’s growth posture is evident in its ongoing investment in store improvements and its commitment to serving a wide range of communities, from suburban to rural areas. Food Lion’s stable ownership under Ahold Delhaize and its consistent investment in its real estate footprint have helped it remain a reliable anchor in shopping centers and mixed-use developments. The company does not franchise its stores and employs approximately 82,000 associates, making it one of the largest private employers in its region.

Food Lion’s reputation is also shaped by its community engagement, particularly through its hunger relief efforts. The Food Lion Feeds program has donated over 1.5 billion meals since 2014, with a goal to reach 3 billion meals by 2032. As of November 2025, Food Lion continues to invest in both its physical stores and digital platforms, reinforcing its role as a trusted, adaptable grocery operator across the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.