Fresh Encounter acquires Chief

 The eleven Chief Supermarkets in West Central Ohio have a new owner.  

The Chief grocery chain, based in Defiance, was acquired by Fresh Encounter of Findlay Wednesday afternoon.  Fresh Encounter currently operates under the banners of Great Scot, Community Markets and Sack n' Save.  Combined, the companies will have 36 stores in Ohio and Indiana and employ about 2,200 people.  

Vice President of Marketing, Eric Anderson, says customers shouldn't  notice the change.  Staff will remain in place, and the same brands and products will be available.  

However, Anderson says there will likely be a consolidation on the corporate side in the next few years.  

The chain is now the largest privately held grocery group in Ohio.  No financial details were released because both are private businesses.