K-Va-T Food Stores

K-VA-T Food Stores operates the Food City supermarket chain, a family-owned and independent grocer based in Abingdon, Virginia. The company traces its roots back to 1955, when Jack C. Smith opened a single Piggly Wiggly store in Grundy, Virginia. Over the decades, Food City has steadily grown to become one of the largest privately held supermarket operators in the Southeast.

As of November 2025, K-VA-T Food Stores manages 153 Food City supermarkets across Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, and Alabama. The company’s recent expansion includes the acquisition of three former Winn-Dixie locations in Alabama, marking its entry into that state and further strengthening its presence in the region. This acquisition reflects a broader growth strategy that combines new store development with targeted acquisitions, allowing the company to serve both established and emerging markets.

Food City stores are typically full-service supermarkets, offering a range of amenities such as in-store bakeries, delis, pharmacies, and fuel centers. The company emphasizes fresh produce and local products, catering to the needs of suburban and small-town communities. Over the last five years, K-VA-T has invested in remodeling existing stores and introducing new formats to adapt to changing consumer preferences and enhance the shopping experience.

With a workforce of more than 16,000 associates, K-VA-T remains under the leadership of the founding family, with Steven C. Smith as president and CEO. The company’s consistent expansion and willingness to invest in both new and existing locations have made it a reliable anchor tenant in many shopping centers throughout its priority markets. Its scale, reputation, and flexible approach to store formats position Food City as a significant and stable presence in the grocery sector across the Southeast.