Lucky’s Market sells remaining stores to company founders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Lucky's Market announced on Wednesday that the company is selling off its seven remaining stores to the grocery chain's founders.

Lucky's founders Bo Sharon and Trish Sharon agreed to purchase the seven stores, which includes one in Columbia. The final sale is subject to court approval. According to the company's website, the Sharons opened the first Lucky's Market in Boulder, Co.

The company's announcement shows Lucky's employs about 600 people across the seven locations. The other grocery stores are located in Traverse City, Mi.; Cleveland, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; Melbourne, Fl.; North Boulder, Co.; and Fort Collins, Co.

According to the company's announcement, grocery chains ALDI and Publix agreed to purchase and lease agreements for 11 closed Lucky's stores in Florida. On Jan. 27, the company filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy. ALDI agreed to lease five stores and purchase one other. Publix agreed to lease five of the locations.

Lucky's announced on Jan. 21 that it was closing 32 locations around the country after Kroger Co. decided to divest its interest in the natural grocer.