Merger News

Kroger-Albertsons merger would sell 26 stores across Dallas-Fort Worth

Kroger store

Kroger

A proposed merger between two supermarket chains would affect 26 stores across Dallas-Fort Worth: The two chains are Kroger and Albertsons, who are attempting to merge into one company in order to compete with big guns like Walmart and Amazon.

The merger has been challenged by federal regulators, prompting two chains to create a plan in which they would sell off nearly 600 locations.

UPDATE 6-26-2024: Albertsons and Kroger have agreed to pause the acquisition until the outcome of a trial in the state of Colorado which begins September 30, according to BoiseDev.com. It could challenge an October 9 deadline that the two companies agreed upon; if the deal is not complete by then, either can walk away, and Albertsons would get a $600-million fee.
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Kroger, which is based in Cincinnati, Ohio, has 2,750 stores in 35 states, which includes brands like Ralphs, Smith’s, and Harris Teeter. Albertsons, which is based in Boise, Idaho, has operates 2,273 stores in 34 states, including brands like Safeway, Jewel Osco, and Shaw’s.

The two companies proposed the merger in 2022 in order to help them compete against mega-chains like Walmart, Amazon, and Costco. According to the Associated Press, if Kroger and Albertsons were combined, that would give them control of 13 percent of the grocery market versus Walmart's 22 percent.

In 2023, the Federal Trade Commission filed a lawsuit to block the merger, stating that it would eliminate competition and lead to higher prices. Inflation has already raised grocery prices by 11.4 percent in 2022 and another 5 percent in 2023.

A hearing has been set for July 31.

To prove that the merger would not result in a monopoly, Kroger and Albertsons have agreed to sell 579 stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers, a supplier based in New Hampshire that operates a total of 23 supermarkets including 11 Grand Union stores in New York as well as owning the Piggly Wiggly brand.

In a statement, C&S said that it was "committed to ensuring zero stores will close as a result of the merger, all frontline associates will remain employed, all existing collective bargaining agreements will continue, and associates will continue to receive industry-leading benefits alongside bargained-for wages."

The two chains originally proposed selling 413 stores in locations where their operations overlap, but have added another 166 stores for a total of 579 in Washington (124), Arizona (101), Colorado (91), California (63), Oregon (62), Illinois (35), Texas (28), Nevada (16), and Alaska (18).

Store brands affected would include Tom Thumb, Randalls, Market Street, Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, QFC, Mariano's, Carrs, Harris Teeter, and Haggen.

Industry publication Supermarket News has the full list of stores across the U.S.

Of the stores in Texas that are affected, 26 are in North Texas; the other two are two Randalls stores in the Houston area.

The Texas stores impacted include:

Market Street — 985 W Bethany Dr, Allen
Albertsons — 6220 U S Hwy 287, Arlington
Albertsons — 301 SW Plaza Shopping Ctr, Arlington
Tom Thumb — 1701 W Randol Mill Rd, Arlington
Tom Thumb — 2755 N Collins, Arlington
Tom Thumb — 6333 E Mockingbird Ln, Dallas
Albertsons — 2321 W University Dr, Denton
Albertsons — 1155 N Main St, Euless
Market Street — 3800 Long Prairie Rd, Flower Mound
Tom Thumb — 4301 Cross Timbers Rd, Flower Mound
Market Street — 11999 Dallas Pkwy, Frisco
Market Street — 4268 Legacy Dr, Frisco
Tom Thumb — 4848 Preston Rd, Frisco
Tom Thumb — 5550 Fm 423, Frisco
Tom Thumb — 612 Grapevine Hwy, Hurst
Tom Thumb — 1000 Keller Pkwy, Keller
Market Street — 3145 E Broad St, Mansfield
Market Street — 6100 W Eldorado Pkwy, McKinney
Tom Thumb — 6800 W Virginia Pkwy, McKinney
Tom Thumb — 1501 Pioneer Rd, Mesquite
Tom Thumb — 3945 Legacy Dr, Plano
Tom Thumb — 1380 W Campbell Rd, Richardson
Tom Thumb — 3070 N Goliad, Rockwall
Tom Thumb — 551 Laurence Dr, Rockwall
Albertsons — 1201 N Saginaw Blvd, Saginaw
Tom Thumb — 101 Trophy Lake Dr, Trophy Club
Randalls — 2931 Central City Blvd, Galveston
Randalls — 14610 Memorial Dr, Houston

Gearing up

Upscale sports bar Moxies will touch down at The Star in Frisco

Moxie's

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Moxies, the upscale-casual concept founded in Canada and co-owned by Dallas Stars proprietor Tom Gaglardi, is joining the restaurant lineup at The Star in Frisco.

According to a release, a new location of Moxies will open in The Star District, at 3680 The Star Blvd. #1300, in an old City Works space, in 2027.

The sporty restaurant at the home of the Cowboys will be designed for everything from lunch and happy hour to dinner and late-night gatherings, offering chef-driven dishes with a lively bar experience in a polished, social setting, the owners say. The new location will include the restaurant's signature statement bar, elevated dining experience and high-energy hospitality.

“Being part of The Star in Frisco is a perfect fit for Moxies,” says Joanne Forrester, president and COO of Moxies, in the release. “The entire district is built around elevated experiences and connection — training, work, entertainment and hospitality all in one place. That’s where we thrive. Our chef-driven dishes, signature cocktails and statement bar are designed for exactly this kind of social, high-energy setting anchored by the Dallas Cowboys.”

Frisco will be the fourth DFW location for Moxies. The first one debuted at The Crescent in Uptown Dallas in 2016, and got a major renovation in 2024. The chain also has locations in Plano and Southlake.

Moxies is owned by Gaglardi, proprietor of the Dallas Stars, and brought to the U.S. by franchise group Eatz Hospitality.

While few details of the Frisco location have been revealed, the other locations serve lunch, brunch, dinner, and happy hour specials, with a menu of elevated American classics overseen by executive chef Brandon Thordarson. A typical Moxies menu includes:

Sushi Cones, made of tempura shrimp with avocado, pea shoots, nori crisps and drizzled with sesame chili ponzu
Poutine, the Canadian staple with French fries, hot beef gravy, and cheese curds
Kale and Quinoa Salad
Vegetarian Power Bowl with marinated tofu, shiitake mushrooms, soft boiled egg, vegetables, and greens

Brunch options include:

Vegetarian Huevos Rancheros
Smoke Salmon Goat Cheese & Egg White Omelet
Sicilian Sausage Hash

The traditional Moxies bar features craft cocktails such as Strawberry Ghost Pepper Margarita and a Hard Lemonade made with Tito’s Vodka.

The spaces typically feature an extended bar, a large covered patio, TVs inside and outside, and flex walls that can be converted for private dining experience and party spaces.

Other openings at The Star in Frisco

Moxies will join previously announced bar The Imperial Room, which will open at at 3685 The Star Blvd. in early September (aka "next week," a spokesperson clarifies).

The new bar will open next door to the Frisco location of Cane Rosso, and is from PILF Restaurant Group (Cane Rosso, Zoli's Pizza, and Thunderbird Pies), which also owned Cow Tipping Creamery, which closed in July.

With seating for 25 to 30 guests, The Imperial Room will offer an intimate setting for pre-event cocktails, date nights, celebrations and late-night gatherings, the release says. Guests can expect a sophisticated cocktail program featuring expertly executed classics and original creations, complemented by elevated shareable plates and select entrées.

PILF Restaurant Group has drafted acclaimed Dallas bartender Gabe Sanchez, whose work has helped shape cocktail programs at some of the city's most respected bars.

Longtime Star Tex-Mex restaurant Mi Cocina has expanded its outdoor dining experience with a renovation of its main patio, at 6740 Winning Dr. Ste. 1010. The enhanced space features additional seating, permanent heaters, larger fans, and drop-down shades, creating a more comfortable three-season patio for guests to enjoy throughout the year, the release says.

On the non-restaurant front, Élan Sculpt Club, a new luxury boutique fitness concept combining infrared-heated sculpt classes with Pilates reformer training, is opening its flagship location at The Star District, at 3620 The Star Boulevard, #1215.

Moxie’s is also known for their light sign décor, centered on the main dining wall, that spells out "I will if you will."

opening frisco moxies sports bar