Karns Catches Last 2 Fox's in Pa.
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. - Karns Quality Foods based here is acquiring two Fox's Markets in Hershey and Middletown, Pa., putting to rest months of local trade speculation that such a deal was in the works.
Karns will remodel and convert the two remaining Fox's stores in the coming weeks, a process which is expected to be complete by mid-September. A highlight of the remodeling effort includes the addition of full-service meat and seafood departments, for which Karns is well known.
Both of the independent retailers have earned solid reputations for their personalized service and quality meat products. The deal marks the end of era in the Central Pa. market, where Fox's has also long enjoyed a strong reputation for its in-store delis and wide assortment of scratch-made prepared foods.
Scott Karns, owner and c.e.o. of the supermarket organization that bears his name, said he's especially energized about having the best of both companies prevail when the integration is complete.
"Fox's Market is a wonderful addition to the Karns Quality Foods family," Karns said. "Both Karns and Fox's are grounded in family tradition, and I am proud to have the wonderful people of Fox's join Karns in serving Central Pa."
Karns said all Fox's store associates will be offered employment with his company, which also plans to hire additional staff.
Karns will continue operating the Fox's kitchen in the Middletown store and will also maintain all of Fox's recipes for its homemade prepared foods. The Fox's name will remain on those items, said Scott Karns, adding that the items will eventually be expanded in the existing Karns stores.
Fox's was founded in 1968 by LeRoy Fox, while Karns was founded in 1959 by David Karns.
Karns will remodel and convert the two remaining Fox's stores in the coming weeks, a process which is expected to be complete by mid-September. A highlight of the remodeling effort includes the addition of full-service meat and seafood departments, for which Karns is well known.
Both of the independent retailers have earned solid reputations for their personalized service and quality meat products. The deal marks the end of era in the Central Pa. market, where Fox's has also long enjoyed a strong reputation for its in-store delis and wide assortment of scratch-made prepared foods.
Scott Karns, owner and c.e.o. of the supermarket organization that bears his name, said he's especially energized about having the best of both companies prevail when the integration is complete.
"Fox's Market is a wonderful addition to the Karns Quality Foods family," Karns said. "Both Karns and Fox's are grounded in family tradition, and I am proud to have the wonderful people of Fox's join Karns in serving Central Pa."
Karns said all Fox's store associates will be offered employment with his company, which also plans to hire additional staff.
Karns will continue operating the Fox's kitchen in the Middletown store and will also maintain all of Fox's recipes for its homemade prepared foods. The Fox's name will remain on those items, said Scott Karns, adding that the items will eventually be expanded in the existing Karns stores.
Fox's was founded in 1968 by LeRoy Fox, while Karns was founded in 1959 by David Karns.