ST LOUIS, MO - There are two things I learned recently; Missouri is known as the “Cave State” for its almost 6,400 caves, and it will soon be home to two more Schnuck Markets. Recently, the St. Louis-based retail chain joined with Fricks Market Owners Jennifer and Darren Newbanks to announce Schnucks’ intent to acquire two Fricks Market stores in the cities of Union and Sullivan.

“We’re thrilled to be able to continue our mission to nourish people’s lives in both Union and Sullivan,” said Schnucks Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Todd Schnuck. “I know Jennifer and Darren Newbanks have remained committed to strengthening their communities through their decades of ownership. We’re excited to build upon their strong customer relationships as we provide our signature assortment of fresh produce, bakery, meat, seafood, and deli options, along with our award-winning Schnucks Brand portfolio of products.”

Schnucks will now be situated at 401 Central Avenue in Union. The Union store will remain open as Fricks Market through 4 p.m. on October 23, when it will close for three days before reopening on October 27 at 7 a.m. as Schnucks.

According to the release, the Sullivan location at 45 North Clark Street will close and reopen during the same window and will remain a Fricks Market, operated by Schnucks, until a new, 23,000-square-foot Schnucks Fresh store is completed. The new Schnucks Fresh store will be located on East Springfield Road near Highway 185. An official opening date for this new store will be announced in the coming months.

“We know Schnucks will continue to serve Union and Sullivan customers with access to high-quality, nutritional foods as we have done since 1960,” said Jennifer Newbanks, President of Fricks Market. “As our family moves on to the next chapter, we are grateful for the employees who have worked with us as well as the customers who have shopped with us over the years. We’re confident Schnucks—another family-owned grocery company with strong core values—is the right fit to continue supporting families in our communities.”

The Schnucks Human Resource team announced plans to speak with Fricks Markets’ 66 employees and extend employment offers for both acquired locations. Schnuck added that both stores will continue to be unionized and that the company appreciates the partnership of union leadership in facilitating this transition.

Continue following ANUK as we keep a pulse on the radar.

Schnuck Markets