Harps Food building new stores in Conway, Fort Smith

With construction set to begin on a Harps Food Store on the Arkansas College of Health Education (ACHE) campus, Springdale-based Harps is looking for a tenant. A building permit valued at $12.2 million was issued by the City of Fort Smith on the 39,350 square-foot building

Cushman & Wakefield real estate company has a listing for a lease of 1,280 square feet – divisible to 624 square feet – at the new Harps being built at 6400 Veteran’s Ave., near the Fort Chaffee on the ACHE campus. The listing shows that the lease rate is negotiable and the term is for five to 10 years. The space comes with a drive through, and is an ideal space for a coffee shop, restaurant, and bank, according to the listing.

ACHE announced the addition of Harps Food Stores as the newest venture on its campus in March, stating that Harps will bring a convenient and diverse grocery shopping experience to the heart of the ACHE campus.

“The addition of a grocery store on campus is aimed at fostering a healthier community by providing students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding neighborhoods with easier access to a wide array of fresh and nutritious food options,” said Les Smith, chief operating officer for ACHE.

ACHE sold the 5.5 acres to Harps to build the grocery store but considers it on a part of the ACHE campus, said Susan Devero, vice president of marketing and communication. The sale price was not disclosed.

“We are thrilled to welcome Harps Food Store to the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education campus. This partnership aligns with our mission to create a culture of well-being and provide resources that support the health and success of our entire campus,” said Kyle Parker, ACHE president and CEO.

A building permit issued Nov. 22 shows the will have 39,350 square feet and a full estimated value of $12.2 million. The contractor is Commerce Construction, Inc. of Springdale.

According to Harps, the regional grocer is adding new stores in Fort Smith and Conway. The Conway store, located at 3200 Dave Ward Drive, is set to open in the spring of 2025, and the Fort Smith store is set to open in the fall of 2025. Both stores will feature 39,000 square feet of retail space and each will include a fuel station.

“We are thrilled to bring new Harps Food Stores to both Conway and Fort Smith,” Kim Eskew, chairman and CEO of Harps Food Stores, said in a statement. “These locations will provide local families with the quality products and exceptional service Harps is known for, while also creating jobs and strengthening our presence in these vibrant communities.”

Harps is a 100% employee-owned company that operates 145 stores in Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Oklahoma. As the largest employee-owned company in Arkansas, Harps employs more than 6,500 people.