Kroger is the largest supermarket chain in the U.S., thanks to its subsidiaries and acquisitions over the years.
But of all the companies under the Kroger family of companies, is Fry’s one of them? Who owns Fry’s? If you’d like to find out, continue reading to see what I discovered!
Does Kroger Own Fry’s In 2024?
Fry’s is a division of Kroger supermarket chains in 2024. While Kroger did not acquire Fry’s directly, the deal was made via grocery supermarket chain Dillons. Fry’s was sold to Dillons in 1972; therefore, when Dillons merged with Kroger in 1983, it automatically became a part of the Kroger group. Despite the merge, Fry’s kept its brand name.
Read on for more information about the deal between Fry’s and Kroger, including what the connection is between the two companies and more!
What Is the Connection Between Fry’s and Kroger?
Fry’s and Kroger became connected after Kroger merged with grocery supermarket chain Dillons in 1983.
Under the Kroger family of companies, Fry’s is the dominant brand in Arizona.
To avoid overlap of brands in the states, Kroger rebranded most of the Smith’s Food & Drug Centers to Fry’s.
Such acquisitions have made Kroger the second-largest general retailer in the United States.
Why Did Kroger Buy Fry’s?
Kroger acquired and retained a store like Fry’s for the following reasons:
Fry’s Locations
Fry’s has more than 120 locations across the United States. With most of them located in Arizona, Fry’s Food ensures that Kroger has a presence in this state.
Because of these locations, Kroger increased its dominance in the U.S.
This is one of the reasons that Kroger renamed most of the Smith’s Food & Drug Centers to Fry’s in Arizona because the brand already had a strong presence among customers.
Range of Services
Prior to 2021, Fry’s also operated another branch of the business known as Fry’s Electronics, which shut down due to the effects of the 2020 pandemic.
Fry’s used the proceeds from the Dillion buyout to launch Fry’s Electronics in 1985. Although Fry’s Electronics is affiliated with Fry’s Food, it was not owned by Kroger.
Fry’s Revenue
According to statistics, Fry’s Food stores made a total annual revenue of $963.1 in 2021.
This contributes to Kroger’s total company sales worth $137.9 billion in 2021. Therefore, Fry’s is a key part of Kroger’s revenue growth.
How Many Other Brands Does Kroger Own?
Kroger has about 2,800 grocery retail stores operating under the Kroger family across different states in the U.S., making it the biggest supermarket chain in the country.
Apart from Fry’s, Kroger also owns the following companies:
- Ralphs
- Harris Teeter
- QFC
- King Scoopers
- Fred Meyer
- Roundy’s
- Baker’s
- Food 4 Less
- Dillion Companies
- City Market
- Home Chef
- Metro Market
- Smith’s
With each acquisition, Kroger expands its dominance in the country and now has operations in 35 states across the U.S.
Because of this, the company’s revenue grows from the sales revenue from all the subsidiaries.
Kroger is mostly known for superstores and grocery stores, which offer various products.
All the subsidiaries in the Kroger family of companies deal in the same products, making it easier to manage operations.
Can You Use a Kroger Gift Card at Fry’s?
According to customers, you can use the Kroger gift card to shop at Fry’s and any other stores affiliated with the Kroger family of companies.
This Kroger gift card represents a prepayment for products and fuel available at any of the family of companies.
When you get the card, there are terms and conditions, and it has the list of stores at the back.
Additionally, you can purchase Fry’s Food Stores gift cards to use when shopping or gifting family and friends.
When you use a gift card to pay for a product, the remaining balance will be printed on the sales receipt.
Can You Return Fry’s Items to Kroger?
Fortunately, you can return items bought at Fry’s to your nearest Kroger store. Use a Store Locator to find your local store.
However, you need to follow the Kroger return policy that allows customers to take items back for a refund or exchange within 30 days from the day of purchase.
Keep in mind that the items must be unused and in their original condition. Additionally, you should return the item together with a digital or paper receipt to get a refund.
On the other hand, if you don’t have a receipt, you’ll get a Kroger merchandise gift card for items that are more than $10.
Furthermore, according to the return policy, Kroger will not accept items if you don’t have the original packaging; therefore, it’s advisable to keep the packaging.
After the 30 days are over, Kroger has the right to reject returns. Therefore, if you bought the return items from Fry’s, ensure that you stick to this period.
Once you return items, it takes about 7 to 10 days for the refunded cash to reflect in your account.
Kroger also has restrictions on some products such as alcohol and tobacco, baby formula, women, infants, and children items.
Therefore, before returning any items, ensure that you check the return policy.
To know more, you can also read our related posts on whether or not Kroger owns Meijer, if Kroger owns Ralphs, and if Kroger owns Food Lion.
Conclusion
Fry’s is a division of Kroger supermarket chains. While Kroger did not acquire Fry’s directly, the deal was made via grocery supermarket chain Dillons.
Fry’s owners sold the business to Dillons in 1972; therefore, when Dillons merged with Kroger in 1983, it automatically became a part of the Kroger group. Despite the merge, Fry’s kept its brand name.