Harps Food Stores to Acquire Oklahoma Grocery Retailer With 10 Locations

(Harps Food Stores)

Harps Food Stores Inc. of Springdale announced an agreement to acquire Doc’s Food Stores Inc., an independent grocery retailer with 10 locations across Oklahoma.

Privately held Harps did not disclose financial terms of the transaction. The deal is expected to be completed by fall of 2025.

In a news release, Harps said that Doc’s Food Stores locations will continue to operate with minimal change or interruption.

Doc’s Food Stores was founded in 1946. The company’s banners include Cox Cash Saver, Apple Market, Price Mart and JB’s Market.

Doc’s Food Stores President and CEO Courtney Brown said the deal with Harps “represents an incredible opportunity” for the business, its employees and the communities it serves. “We are confident with this sale Harps will continue to uphold the values and service standards that our customers have come to expect.”

Harps Chairman and CEO Kim Eskew said, “We are extremely excited about adding these stores to our Harps family. They will make a great addition to our company as we strive to continue to grow.”

The deal comes after Harps acquired Craven Foods of Fairfield Bay earlier this month.

Harps, founded in 1930, operates 148 stores across six states: Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Oklahoma. It’s the largest employee-owned company in Arkansas, with more than 6,500 workers.