Springdale-based Harps Food Stores plans to acquire 18 grocery stores from Dyer Foods, owned by Joey Hays and Jeanie Hays. The companies did not disclose financial terms of the deal.
The acquisition includes stores across multiple towns in Tennessee—Alamo, Bells, Brownsville, Covington, Dyersburg, Halls, Henderson, Humboldt, Jackson, Millington, Newbern, Somerville, Tiptonville, and Trenton—as well as one location in Kentucky.
“We are excited to be able to acquire these stores from the Hays family,” said Kim Eskew, chairman and CEO of Harps. “We love small stores in small towns, and these stores fit our strategy perfectly.”
According to a news release, Dyer Foods’ store branding, employees, and day-to-day operations will continue with minimal disruption. The transaction is expected to close by summer 2026, with The Food Partners serving as financial adviser to Dyer Foods.
“When Jeanie and I decided it was time to make this transition, Harps was our first choice,” Joey Hays said, citing the company’s commitment to employees and local communities.
Harps Food Stores is a 100% employee-owned company that operates about 160 stores across six states. Founded in 1930 in Springdale by Harvard Harp and Floy Harp, the company has grown into the largest employee-owned business in Arkansas, employing more than 6,900 people.
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