Harps Food Stores
About Harps Food Stores
Employee-owned regional grocery chain headquartered in Springdale, AR. Over 100 stores across the mid-south.
Open Positions (2)
Culture
100% employee-owned since 2001 via ESOP, fostering a family atmosphere where employees are owners. Emphasizes community involvement, personalized service, and long-term growth in small towns, with leadership highlighting vested interest and low turnover.
Company Details
Harps Food Stores, headquartered in Springdale, Arkansas in the heart of Northwest Arkansas (NWA), stands as the largest employee-owned company in the state. Founded in 1930 by Harvard and Floy Harp, it has grown into a billion-dollar success story serving communities in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Kansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana with 147+ stores focused on small towns.
The chain offers fresh produce, natural meats, bakery and deli items, groceries, health products, pharmacies, and gas stations at competitive prices, competing effectively against giants like Walmart and Kroger in underserved areas. Its NWA presence is strongest, with dozens of locations in Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, and Springdale, making it a vital local employer and community pillar.
As a top employer in NWA, Harps employs over 6,900 associates (with 4,271 in Arkansas), fostering ownership through its ESOP since 2001, which drives retention and success. This model positions Harps as a preferred workplace for those seeking stability and growth in the retail grocery sector.
Founded
1930
Headquarters
Springdale, Arkansas