Harp’s Food Stores

Harps Food Stores is an independent, employee-owned grocery chain that has been serving communities across the central and southern United States since 1930. The company was founded by Harvard and Floy Harp in Springdale, Arkansas, where it began as a small family-run grocery. Over the decades, Harps has grown steadily, transitioning to an employee stock ownership plan in 2001, which made its workforce the primary stakeholders and reinforced its commitment to local communities.

As of November 2025, Harps operates 145 stores throughout Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, with its headquarters still based in Springdale. The company’s stores range from full-service supermarkets to smaller neighborhood markets, often featuring amenities such as bakeries, delis, pharmacies, and fuel centers. Harps is known for its focus on fresh foods and private label products, catering to a broad range of shoppers.

In the past five years, Harps has accelerated its expansion, targeting both rural and suburban areas, especially in markets that are underserved by larger chains. The company has pursued growth through new store openings and strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of Town & Country Supermarkets in 2022, which added 20 locations to its portfolio. Harps continues to seek new sites and redevelopment opportunities, with a particular interest in small towns and secondary markets.

Harps stands out for its stable, employee-owned structure and its active growth posture. The company’s willingness to invest in store remodels and new builds, along with its track record of acquiring independent grocers, makes it a credible anchor tenant for both new developments and redevelopment projects. Its scale and regional focus offer landlords, brokers, and developers a reliable partner with deep community ties and a proven ability to adapt and expand in evolving retail landscapes.