Have you noticed a few changes in your local Safeway store in recent years?
This American supermarket chain was founded in 1915 in the state of Idaho. Since then, the chain has expanded into seventeen states and currently boasts more than nine hundred locations. In 2019, the former Fred Meyer CEO became the CEO of the supermarket chain’s parent company. This led a lot of people to believe that the supermarket chain had changed ownership.
So, let’s find out, ‘is Safeway owned by Kroger?’
Contents
About Kroger
Kroger was founded in 1883 and boasts nearly three thousand locations across the United States. Although Kroger was once an independent chain, it merged with Fred Meyer in 1998. Today, it is a subsidiary of Fred Meyer, which is one of the biggest grocery companies in the United States.
Safeway Ownership
Since 2015 Safeway has been owned by Albertsons Companies. This parent company is owned by Cerberus Capital Management, which owns several other associated businesses.
As part of the takeover, Safeway is managed by Sobeys, which is a specific division of Albertsons Companies. While Albertsons Companies technically owns Safeway, Cerberus Capital Management owns both of these companies.
Other Affiliated Stores
Albertsons also owns a large number of other retail chains. This has helped the parent company increase its presence in the United States and Canada. Let’s take a closer look at some of the other companies that are owned by Albertsons.
Read more: Jewel-Osco Holiday Hours
ACME Markets
This supermarket chain was founded in 1891 and operates 161 locations in a handful of states. This was once the largest grocery retailer in the Delaware Valley, although it now holds second place. ACME Markets also operates several additional services, including ACME Sav-On Pharmacies.
Albertsons took over the supermarket chain in 1999 in a move to increase the company’s presence in the northeast.
Andronico’s Community Markets
This supermarket chain was founded in 1929 in the San Francisco Bay Area. There are currently seven Andronico’s Community Markets locations in the United States. Each of these locations features a neighborhood feel and sells locally sourced products.
Carrs
Formerly known as Carrs Quality Centers, this supermarket chain can be found in Alaska. There are just 24 grocery stores in total, which specialize in fresh local produce. Thanks to a partnership with Safeway, shoppers can use their Safeway Just For U rewards in stores.
Jewel-Osco
If you live in the greater Chicago area, you are sure to be familiar with this grocery store chain. Jewel-Osco was founded in 1899, and each of the 188 locations boasts a pharmacy. The chain has had several names over the years and was acquired by Albertsons in 1999.
Pavilions
This chain of grocery stores is a division of Vons and can be found in South Carolina. This chain offers a large selection of specialty foods, including organic produce. Pavilions was founded in 1985, and Albertsons Companies founded the chain in 2015.
Randalls
This grocery store chain boasts 32 stores throughout the state of Texas and was founded in 1966. Each store features several separate departments, including a bakery, fresh seafood, a photo department, and a florist. Randalls prides itself on excellent customer service, and employees are trained to go the extra mile to meet customers’ needs.
Randalls was acquired by Albertsons in 2015. While the grocery stores have remained largely unchanged, they now operate under the Albertsons banner.
Tom Thumb
This chain of gas stations and grocery stores was established in 1976. Tom Thumb is famous for its old-fashioned products and services and the emphasis on excellent customer service. Shoppers can find a large selection of fresh produce, most of which is locally grown and sourced.
Tom Thumb is also known for its Growler Station, which boasts eighteen different beers on tap. The chain has had several parent companies over the years. It was originally purchased by Randalls before Randalls was purchased by Safeway. Finally, Albertsons took over ownership of Tom Thumb in 2015.
I’d Like To Know More About The Stores!
Well, why not get an exciting job in retail by checking out our in-depth guide to the Safeway Application? But if you’re more interested in shopping, then check out the Safeway Hours, as well as services such as Does Safeway Do Money Orders, Do Safeway Cash Checks, and finally, Does Safeway Take Apple Pay for your cashless payment options!
In addition, Kroger is also hiring! So, why not find out How Old Do You Have To Be To Work At Kroger if you’re still in school, followed by How Much Does Kroger Pay? We then move on to our guide to the Kroger Application and the most frequently asked Kroger Interview Questions, and lastly, Does Kroger Hire Felons if you have a criminal record?
A few more interesting facts about the store include What Time Does Kroger Close Open, Does Kroger Sell Stamps The Cost, and Does Kroger Accept Apple Pay in 2023?
Final Thoughts
Both Safeway and Kroger were independent supermarket chains when they were established. However, today both chains are subsidiaries of different parent companies. This means that there is no connection between the two chains in terms of operation.
The only real connection is that the former CEO of Safeway is now the CEO of Kroger. This change happened just before the Covid pandemic and has led to ownership rumors. Although the supermarket chain has been restructured to a certain extent, the ownership has remained unchanged.
Enjoy doing your weekly food shopping!