Bowling Green, KY, October 7, 2025
News Summary
A historic grocery store in Barren County, originally opened in 1917 by Ervin G. Houchens, is being relocated to Bowling Green, KY. This action aims to preserve its historical significance following storm damage that affected the surrounding area. The relocation is part of Houchens Industries’ commitment to maintain the legacy of its founder and keep the store as a vital part of the community’s history while evolving to meet modern retail challenges.
Bowling Green, KY – Historic Grocery Store Relocated to Preserve Houchens Legacy
A piece of Barren County history is being relocated to Bowling Green, Kentucky. The grocery store originally opened by Ervin G. Houchens in 1917 in a small shed in Lucas, south of Glasgow, KY, will soon make its way to Houchens Industries’ headquarters. This move is part of an effort to preserve the historical significance of the original grocery store, which has been a notable part of the Houchens legacy for over a century.
Over the years, the grocery store and the surrounding structures have become an integral part of Houchens Park, renowned for hosting annual picnics that attracted hundreds of residents from the area. However, in 2024, the property sustained storm damage that demolished one of its three buildings and rendered the nearby museum unsafe for tours. As a response to these challenges, Houchens Industries stated its commitment to preserving the first store to ensure its significance is not lost to further deterioration.
Relocation Details
As part of the relocation process, signage that once guided drivers to the first store and related historical sites has been removed. The grocery store’s move to Bowling Green is aimed at maintaining its importance within the community and the history of Houchens Industries. Houchens Industries was founded in 1917 and has since grown from the original Lucas location to operate across multiple communities in Kentucky and beyond.
Company Expansion and Revenue
Houchens Industries first opened stores outside Barren County in Munfordville and Scottsville in 1936. In 1945, the company moved its headquarters to Bowling Green, KY. Today, Houchens Industries operates over 13 companies across various sectors, including Ace Hardware, Slim Chickens, and Pan-Oston, boasting an impressive annual revenue exceeding $4 billion. The company is recognized as one of the largest employee-owned companies in the nation.
Houchens Food Group, a part of Houchens Industries, operates over 400 grocery, convenience, hardware, and foodservice locations across 15 states. In an effort to enhance shopper engagement for its grocery banners, Houchens Food Group is partnering with eGrowcery to utilize a white-label digital commerce platform. This technology solution enables retailers to improve online shopping experiences while reducing development costs.
Focus on Customer Experience
Houchens Industries prioritizes targeted and personalized customer experiences and e-commerce capabilities that align with in-store service. The strategic relocation of the historic grocery store reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to preserving local history while navigating modern retail challenges.
FAQ
What is being relocated to Bowling Green, KY?
A piece of Barren County history, specifically the grocery store originally opened by Ervin G. Houchens in 1917, is being relocated to Bowling Green, Kentucky.
Why is the grocery store being relocated?
The relocation is part of an effort to preserve the historical significance of the original grocery store after storm damage made the nearby museum unsafe and led to the demolition of one of the buildings.
What was the original location of the grocery store?
The grocery store was originally opened in a small shed in Lucas, south of Glasgow, KY.
What kind of businesses does Houchens Industries operate today?
Today, Houchens Industries operates over 13 companies across various sectors, including Ace Hardware, Slim Chickens, and Pan-Oston.
How many grocery, convenience, and hardware locations does Houchens Food Group operate?
Houchens Food Group operates over 400 grocery, convenience, hardware, and foodservice locations across 15 states.
What is Houchens Industries’ annual revenue?
Houchens Industries reports annual revenue exceeding $4 billion, making it one of the largest employee-owned companies in the nation.
Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Historical Significance | The grocery store was established in 1917 and is an integral part of Houchens legacy. |
| Location Change | The store is being moved from Lucas, KY to Bowling Green, KY. |
| Storm Damage | Storm damage in 2024 led to the demolition of one building and made nearby museum tours unsafe. |
| Company Growth | Founded in 1917, Houchens Industries has expanded significantly over the decades. |
| Annual Revenue | Houchens Industries reports annual revenue exceeding $4 billion. |
| Number of Locations | Houchens Food Group operates over 400 locations across 15 states. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Houchens Food Group Partners with eGrowcery
Additional Resources
- WBKO: Historic Grocery Store Relocated
- Lane Report: Houchens Food Group Digital Platform
- Owensboro Times: Houchens Insurance Group
- Business Wire: Houchens Food Group Partners
- Lane Report: Houchens Food Group Promotion
- Wikipedia: Houchens Industries
- Google Search: Houchens Food Group
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Houchens Industries
- Google Scholar: Houchens Industries
- Google News: Houchens Food Group
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
