The Hen House Market celebrates 100 years.
The Hen House Market is one of 27 local markets throughout the Kansas City metropolitan area. They are part of the Ball's Food Store group and Kansas City, Kansas is their hometown.
History of the Hen House – 1923-2023
1923 – the first Hen House Market Opens
The Hen House Market was begun in 1923 by Mollie and Sidney Ball. Not being able to hire help, they did everything. Mollie ran the cash register and kept the books. Sidney did all the rest, from unloading the truck to stocking the shelves.
Their little store offered a monthly credit system and home delivery.
1934
By 1934 the Balls were able to hire a couple of employees to help out. Then Sidney had a new idea – cash and carry – and opened a second store with this new concept and lower prices.
1941 – World War II Era
With so many working wives and mothers during World War II, Mollie Ball began to make take-home dinners to sell. Her meat loaf became famous throughout the neighborhood.
1948
The Ball's opened Kansas City's first large-scale “supermarket” and customers loved it.
1956
By 1956, Mollie and Sidney's son Fred had graduated college and joined the business.
1965
By 1965, Fred saw that rapid industry changes were occurring and prepared the company for expansion.
1973
In 1973, Mollie and Sidney turned control of the Company over to their only son. Fred Ball became the second generation of family management.
1989
The Ball Foods Company purchased two Kansas City markets called Hen House which had a citywide reputation for fresh poultry and seafood.
1996
By the mid 1990s, Ball's Food Stores had grown to be the largest retail grocer in Kansas City.
2004
Time for the third generation of Balls. David Ball now continues the family tradition of providing great food at a great price.
2023
Marking 100 years as Kansas City’s Local hometown Market
Summary
Having moved to Kansas City just a few months ago, I was delighted to discover The Hen House Market. It has such friendly people and everything is arranged so nicely that it is a joy to shop there.
Of the 27 stores under the Ball's Food Store corporate name, some are called The Hen House Market (9 locations across the Kansas City, Kansas area), and others go under the names Ball's Price Chopper, Payless Discount Foods and SunFresh Market. Altogether, they employ 4,000 people they refer to as 'teammates'.
Grandson David Ball states that as his grandfather Sidney said all those decades ago “Our grocery store is only as good as the people who work there.”
More Stores Reviewed on ReviewThisReviews
*Store Review of The Hen House Market by Wednesday Elf
