Kessel Food Markets
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Supermarket |
| Founded | 1981 |
| Founder | Al Kessel |
| Defunct | 1999 |
| Headquarters | Michigan , United States |
| Products | Groceries |
Overview
Kessel Food Markets was a supermarket chain operating in the United States, headquartered in Michigan. The company was established in 1981 by Al Kessel, originally from Owosso, Michigan, who had previously served as executive vice president at Hamady Brothers supermarkets. Kessel acquired several Kroger stores located in Corunna and Saginaw after Kroger closed these outlets due to Michigan's challenging economic conditions and unsuccessful union negotiations.
Following Kroger’s decision to shut down all five of its Flint stores in 1982 for similar reasons, Kessel purchased these locations as well. Later, when Hamady Brothers declared bankruptcy in 1991, Kessel expanded further by acquiring 13 of their stores. At its height, the chain operated a total of 24 supermarkets.
Al Kessel personally appeared in television advertisements for the chain, where he would toss products into a shopping cart while proclaiming, "Save at Kessel this week. Why? Because we're with you."
Labor Relations and Transition
The Kessel chain frequently encountered union organizing efforts from workers in the Saginaw area. By 1999, four Kessel stores had either been converted into Save-A-Lot outlets or were closed entirely. The remaining locations were sold back to Kroger, which temporarily continued operating them under the Kessel brand before fully rebranding.
Kessel Enterprises, based in Grand Blanc, Michigan, remained active by managing the Save-A-Lot stores along with local Pet Supplies Plus locations.
Founder’s Passing
Al Kessel passed away on December 28, 2012, at the age of 74 due to esophageal cancer. He died in Naples, Florida.