Festival Foods

Festival Foods

Wisconsin grocer delivering community-focused service

Overview

Festival Foods is a Wisconsin-based grocer with 40+ full-service supermarkets. It provides groceries and everyday essentials with a focus on strong customer service and value, supported by extensive associate benefits and programs that aim to empower staff. The stores stock a wide range of products in a traditional grocery format, including fresh departments, household items, and personal care, and they emphasize community involvement in their operations. Unlike many competitors, Festival Foods differentiates itself through its commitment to giving back to Wisconsin communities and treating guests and associates as top priorities. The company’s goal is to serve Wisconsin communities with reliable, friendly service and good value while supporting its employees and local programs.

About Festival Foods

Simplify's Rating
Why Festival Foods is rated
B-
Rated B on Competitive Edge
Rated B on Growth Potential
Rated C on Differentiation

Industries

Food & Agriculture

Consumer Goods

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

De Pere, Wisconsin

Founded

1946

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Todd Schnuck closed the acquisition on October 20, 2025, adding 51 stores and scale.
  • Festival opened Kimberly on September 20, 2026, and Hudson opens November 8, 2026.
  • Adam Whitney became COO in August 2026, tightening merchandising and fresh execution.

What critics are saying

  • Festival faces a $7.5 million overtime settlement in Dyer v. Skogen’s Foodliner, Inc.
  • Greenfield closed after a November 4, 2026 WARN layoff notice, signaling weak locations.
  • Failed integration erases Festival’s local-brand advantage and triggers customer defections.

What makes Festival Foods unique

  • Festival Foods keeps 42 Wisconsin stores and local banners under 1939 Group, since 2025.
  • Its community-focused format survived Schnuck ownership, preserving headquarters in Wisconsin and store-level autonomy.
  • Mark Skogen’s 2025 sale protected employee legacy through ESOP inclusion and banner continuity.

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Benefits

Employee Discounts

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Parental Leave

Wellness Program

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Company News

Insight on Business
Sep 16th, 2025
Schnuck Markets Acquires Festival Foods

Schnuck Markets, Inc. has acquired 100% of the shares of Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers, Inc. through the 1939 Group, Inc., owned by the Schnuck family. The acquisition includes shares from CEO Mark Skogen and the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The 1939 Group will maintain the existing store banners and corporate headquarters, with Todd Schnuck as Chairman and CEO. The transaction is expected to close in October, subject to customary approvals.

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