Ukrop's
| File:Ukrops logo.png | |
| File:Ukrops Market, 3600 Hull Street (2898489617).jpg Ukrop's Super Market in 1953 | |
| Company type | Family business |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail |
| Founded | 1976 |
| Headquarters | Richmond, Virginia, United States |
| Products | Food company |
Number of employees | 5,000 |
| Website | www |
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Ukrop's is a U.S.-based company specializing in the operation of a centralized bakery and kitchen that produces a variety of baked items and ready-to-eat meals. Their baked products are sold under the Ukrop's and Good Meadow labels. In 1976, Ukrop's acquired Dot's Pastry Shop, a renowned Richmond bakery, initially continuing to use the Dot's Pastry Shop name before rebranding it as Ukrop's Bakery.
Between 1937 and 2010, the Ukrop family managed a chain of supermarkets in Richmond and nearby regions under the corporate identity Ukrop's Super Markets. Eventually, the family divested its grocery retail business to Giant-Carlisle, which is part of the Netherlands-based Ahold. Following this acquisition, the stores were rebranded as Martin's.
History
Founded in 1937 by Joseph Ukrop, Ukrop's Super Markets expanded to operate 26 locations,[1] primarily serving the Richmond metropolitan area. Additional stores were situated in Williamsburg, Colonial Heights, Petersburg, and Fredericksburg. Due to insufficient sales and limited brand awareness in some markets, outlets in Williamsburg[2] and Roanoke[3] were shuttered in 2009. The company also operated a specialty store named Joe's Market in Richmond, honoring its founder. Leadership roles included James Ukrop as chairman—Joseph’s son—and his brother Robert serving as president and CEO.
Distinctively, Ukrop's stores remained closed on Sundays and refrained from selling alcoholic beverages, which limited revenue streams compared to other supermarket competitors.[4] Despite these limitations, the chain maintained a leading market share within the Richmond area and became an integral part of the local culture for multiple generations. It was especially recognized for its exceptional customer service along with its baked goods and prepared food offerings.[5][6]
Disposition of Ukrop's
On December 17, 2009, Ukrop's declared that the Giant-Carlisle Division, a subsidiary of the Dutch conglomerate Ahold, would purchase all twenty-five Ukrop's locations for $140 million. This transaction signified the conclusion of the Ukrop family's involvement in retail operations. The deal was officially completed on February 8, 2010.[7] In the spring of 2010, the stores transitioned from the Ukrop's brand to Giant-Carlisle's Martin's banner.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Despite this change, select baked products continue to be crafted by Ukrop's Bakery division and bear its branding. The agreement excluded the Ukrop's store located in Fredericksburg, which subsequently closed. Additionally, the sole Joe's Market outlet owned by the company was sold to two former Ukrop's staff members who relaunched it as Libbie Market.
As of September 30, 2009, Ukrop's reported assets totaling $233 million and liabilities amounting to $145.9 million.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name</ref>
- ↑ [1] Archived November 15, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
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