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A Century of Change

From humble beginnings, Balls Food Stores has become a leader in the grocery business in the Kansas City metro area. Always looking for innovative ways to serve their customers, Balls Food Stores has led the way with unique & forward-thinking shopping experiences.

From in-store bakeries & delis in the 1980s to today’s online ordering & pickup for busy customers, there’s always something new on the horizon at their many locations. Balls Foods’ ongoing commitment to fresh foods, partnering with local suppliers & outstanding customer service has enabled the company to not only grow, but thrive.

As times change, Balls Foods is constantly looking to the future in grocery trends, green store technology & supply chain sustainability. But the foundation of Balls’ success, customer service & commitment to the Kansas City metro community, will never change. And that’s progress!

Our History

1923

Sidney and Mollie Ball opened their first store at 16th & Stewart in Kansas City, Kansas.

1934

Sidney and Mollie opened a new store at 21st & Quindaro Blvd. The store implemented a “cash-&-carry” system, offering lower prices for cash-only payments.

1948

The third store at 34th & State Ave. opened, unveiling yet another innovation: Kansas City’s first large-scale supermarket format.

1956

The fourth store at 55th & Leavenworth Road, opened in Kansas City, Kansas.

1960

Balls Super Foods opened at 47th and Mission Road in Kansas City, Kansas.

1975

Sidney and Mollie Ball turn over control of their company to their only son, Fred Ball.

Fred Ball becomes chairman of Associated Wholesale Grocers.

1978

Balls Foods opens the very first Price Chopper in the Kansas City metro area.

1989

Two Original Hen stores are purchased from Buck Henson.

1990

The first new Hen House store was built and opened in Lenexa, KS. The store was more upscale and focused on perishables.

2000

David Ball (third generation) became the president of Balls Food Stores, leading the way into the 21st century.

2004

Tippin’s Gourmet Pies, LLC was formed to purchase all the food and pie-manufacturing assets of Tippin’s Restaurants.

2014

The Price Chopper in Olathe, Kansas was remodeled and reopened as “Payless Discount Foods,” a low-priced warehouse format store.

2016

The company’s first Sun Fresh store was purchased from the Charles Ball family; it currently caters to the Hispanic population in the area & has become a very successful Ball’s venture.

2021

A new Price Chopper was built at 5665 Bannister Rd. in Kansas City, Missouri.

2023

Balls Food Stores celebrates their 100 year anniversary with a variety of activities and events including a visit from the Budweiser Clydesdales at many of their stores.

“Our grocery store is only as good as the people who work there.”