One of the largest independent grocers in the South, is bringing its famous andouille, boudin, boiled crawfish and other Gulf Coast favorites to Alabama. Family- Rouses Markets and operated Rouses Markets will take ownership of six former Belle Foods stores from Associated Wholesale Grocers. Photo: Rouses
by Rouses staff
One of the largest independent grocers in the South, is bringing its famous andouille, boudin, boiled crawfish and other Gulf Coast favorites to Alabama. Family- Rouses Markets and operated Rouses Markets will take ownership of six former Belle Foods stores from Associated Wholesale Grocers, a retail-owner cooperative of which Rouses Markets is a member.
This is Rouses Markets’ first expansion into Alabama. Founded in 1923 in Thibodaux, the company currently operates 38 stores in Louisiana and Mississippi. Three new stores in Louisiana were also recently announced.
The Alabama stores are located in Mobile, Gulf Shores, Spanish Fort, Saraland and Theodore. Founded in 1960, the company is operated by a second and third generation of the Rouse family and has 38 locations in two states employing over 5,400 team members.
Founded in 1923 in Thibodaux, the company currently operates 38 stores in Louisiana and Mississippi including one near the river bridge in New Orleans. Photo: Rouses
“The stores will already be closed when we take ownership,” said Donny Rouse, managing partner of Rouses Markets, and third-generation owner. “We’re going to keep them closed while they undergo multimillion-dollar remodeling. We’ll be adding in-store sausage kitchens, seafood boiling rooms and other features we’re famous for.”
According to Rouse, reopening dates for the stores will depend on construction.
Tommy Delaune, President of Tommy’s Seafood in Chalmette, said Rouses Markets’ expansion into Alabama is good news for everyone. “Fishermen across the Gulf Coast are excited about this. They know what it means for them and the economy. Rouses’ support keeps our Gulf Coast fishermen working.”
Rouses Markets will immediately begin interviewing current Belle Foods employee, and Rouse says he hopes everyone applies to join the Rouses’ family.
“The right team members, with the right training, make all of the difference in a customer’s shopping experience,” said Rouse. “I know people will appreciate the level of training we offer, and the commitment we make to our team members and community.”
Current Belle Foods employees interested in joining Rouses can also apply online at www.rouses.com and email human.resources@rouses.com.
When will gulf shores be open? Please hurry. We are starvng.