Houchens Industries Inc. · Bowling Green, KY United States

Houchens Industries is a supermarket of businesses as well as an operator of supermarkets. The diversified company runs about 170 grocery stores under the Houchens, Food Giant, IGA, Piggly Wiggly, and Buy Low banners. Its 220 Save-A-Lot discount grocery stores in a dozen states offer limited selections and cover 15,000 sq. ft. or less. Houchens also owns about 40 Jr. Foods convenience stores and two dozen Tobacco Shoppe discount cigarette outlets, mostly in Kentucky and Tennessee. It sold cigarette maker Commonwealth Brands in 2007. Other businesses include construction, financial services, real estate, and recycling. Founded as BG Wholesale in 1918 by Ervin Houchens, the firm is 100% owned by its employees. To read the full description, subscribe now.