Giunta’s Meat Farms to buy King Kullen, forming 38-store Long Island grocer
What's the deal? Giunta’s Meat Farms has agreed to acquire King KullenDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → Grocery Co., picking up 24 King Kullen supermarkets and four Wild by Nature natural foods stores. Financial terms were not disclosed. The deal is expected to close in September, subject to customary conditions.
Who's who? Both are family-owned Long Island grocers. Giunta’s, now in its third generation, traces back to 1952 and runs 10 Long Island stores. King Kullen, founded in 1930, is widely recognized as America’s first supermarket.
What changes? The acquisition expands Giunta’s footprint to 38 stores, making it one of the region’s largest supermarket operators. Both companies will operate independently until the deal closes, and all King Kullen and Wild by Nature associates are expected to be retained.
Why now? King Kullen once operated 55 stores at its 1980s peak but has consolidated amid rising Long Island competition. Tracey Cullen, president and chief operating officer of King Kullen, said the company sought a local buyer sharing its commitment to the region and its employees.
What they're saying: “King Kullen is more than a supermarket company,” said Joseph Giunta, co-owner of Giunta’s Meat Farms. “It’s America’s first supermarket and a significant part of Long Island’s history.”
Solomon PartnersDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → served as financial advisor to King Kullen.
The signal: The tie-up shows independent regional grocers consolidating to gain scale against larger chains — here by preserving a nearly century-old brand under local ownership rather than ceding ground to national competitors.
Image credit: Nicola since 1972
