Hannaford buys Presque Isle Shop ’n Save
Hannaford Supermarkets expands in Maine by acquiring Presque Isle’s Shop ’n Save, marking a shift from family business to corporate retail.
A nearly 70-year-old grocery store in Presque Isle, Maine, will soon change ownership after decades of local control.
Hannaford Supermarkets announced plans to acquire the Graves’ Shop ’n Save at 797 Main St. The store will reopen under the Hannaford name in late fall 2026. The sale ends an era for the independent grocer, which has served the community since 1959.
From family business to corporate transition
The store opened under the Graves family, who operated it for generations before selling to current owner Brandon Hopkins in January 2022. Hopkins sought a buyer who would keep the store’s local ties.
“When I took ownership, we were committed to maintaining the strong foundation built by the Graves family,” he said. “I’m pleased to have found a partner in Hannaford that shares that commitment.”
Bob Graves, who worked alongside his brother Greg since the early 1970s, called the sale a new chapter. “We’re confident Hannaford will provide the same level of service that makes the Graves shopping experience special,” he said.
The shift mirrors a trend in New England’s grocery sector, where regional chains absorb long-standing independents. Hannaford, founded in Portland in 1883, operates 188 stores across five states, including 68 in Maine. The Presque Isle location will become its 189th when it reopens.
The store had relied on Hannaford for supply and support, a relationship that likely eased the acquisition. The deal shows larger chains value preserving the local identity of acquired stores, even as they integrate them into broader systems.
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What changes—and what stays the same
Under Hannaford, the Presque Isle store will adopt the chain’s private-label brands, including Taste of Inspirations, Hannaford, and Nature’s Promise. Shoppers will also gain access to the My Hannaford Rewards program, offering 2% cash back on private-label purchases and personalized discounts.
Todd Bullen, Hannaford’s VP of retail operations, said the company plans to keep what customers already value. “Our focus is on preserving what matters most while continuing to deliver fresh, quality products and service,” he said.
The store will retain its full-service pharmacy, a standard feature in most Hannaford locations. No immediate staffing changes have been announced, though transitions often lead to shifts in management and benefits over time.
For residents, the switch may bring minor adjustments—new product selections, updated loyalty programs—but the core experience is likely to remain familiar. The Graves family’s name will fade, but the store’s role as a community hub should continue.
Hannaford’s expansion in northern Maine occurs as the region’s population declines and competition for grocery sales increases. The company’s investment in a smaller market like Presque Isle shows confidence in the store’s future, even as rural grocers nationwide face pressure from big-box retailers and online shopping.
The local chain has long emphasized community ties, a strategy that may help it succeed in areas where larger competitors struggle. Hannaford’s approach aligns with this model, suggesting it sees value in maintaining a local presence.
The deal is expected to close later this year, with renovations starting shortly after. Until then, Graves’ Shop ’n Save will operate normally, giving customers time to prepare for the changes.
