Rouses

Rouses Markets

Company type	Private
Industry	Grocery retail
Founded	1923 (1923)
Founder	J. P. Rouse
Headquarters	Thibodaux , United States
Area served	Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi
Key people	Donald Rouse Sr. (co-owner)
Products	Groceries, supermarket goods

Rouses Markets operates as a grocery supermarket chain with locations across Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi.

History

Originating as City Produce Company, the business was established in Thibodaux, Louisiana by J. P. Rouse in 1923. Initially, it procured produce from regional farmers and the French Market in New Orleans to distribute nationwide. In 1960, Anthony Rouse Sr., son of J.P. Rouse, partnered with cousin Ciro DiMarco to launch a 7,000 square-foot grocery store in Houma, Louisiana.

During the 1970s, Ciro DiMarco sold his stake to Anthony’s son Ryan Rouse, while another son, Tommy Rouse, became involved in the enterprise. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, the company expanded its presence throughout South Louisiana by opening stores in Houma, Raceland, Thibodaux, Lockport, Cut Off, and Morgan City.

By 1995, Rouses had entered the larger Metairie market, establishing itself as Louisiana’s leading independent grocer. A 54,000 square-foot store was introduced in Covington in 2003, followed by additional outlets in Mandeville (2005) and Slidell (2006).

In 2007, Rouses doubled its retail footprint by acquiring A&P’s Southern Division consisting of 17 Sav-A-Center stores. This acquisition marked the company’s initial expansion into New Orleans and Mississippi markets. Further stores in Mississippi were added in 2008.

The chain moved westward with a new location in Youngsville in 2009, which represented the largest grand opening event in its history. In 2010, it purchased a former Winn-Dixie outlet in Mathews. The following year saw the debut of a 40,000 square-foot full-service store in downtown New Orleans after a hiatus of 45 years.

Rouses extended its reach into Alabama between 2013 and 2014 by acquiring six Belle Foods stores near Mobile. Expansion continued in Baton Rouge in 2016 with the acquisition of nine LeBlanc's Food Stores locations, all of which were rebranded under the Rouses Markets name.

In 2021, controversy emerged when co-owner Donald Rouse Sr. was reported to have attended a pro-Trump rally prior to the January 6 Capitol events. Despite his denial of involvement, this led to calls for boycotts from some customers.

Overall, Rouses Markets’ history demonstrates deliberate growth through acquisitions and geographic expansion across the Gulf Coast region.

Recognition

• Awarded The Shelby Report Southeast Retailer of the Year (2018)
• Named one of America’s Top 8 Regional Supermarket Chains by Bon Appétit (2013)
• Recipient of multiple Gambit Best Supermarket honors (2005, 2008, 2009)
• Honored as Sophisticated Woman's Best Supermarket for four consecutive years (2006–2009)
• Voted Best Grocery Store by Daily Comet and Houma Courier within their parishes (2009)
• Jefferson Life’s Best Supermarket awardee (2009)
• Included in Louisiana Life’s Best Places to Work list (2009)
• Recognized among AOL's Best Grocery Stores (2009)
• Featured as Progressive Grocer Store of the Month twice (1984, 2006)
• Earned Association for Corporate Growth Louisiana Deal of the Year (2007)
• Named Business of the Year by Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce (2006)
• Received St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce Largest Expansion Award (2005)
• National Grocers Association Advertising Awards for Best Commercials and Grand Opening Campaigns (2004)
• Addy Awards winner for Best Grocery Store Commercials (2003, 2004)
• Founder Donald honored as Food Person of the Year (1999)
• National Grocers Association Fast Bagger Award recipient (1995)