Lucky’s Market files Chapter 11 bankruptcy, plans to sell remaining stores

A week after announcing the abrupt closure of 32 of 39 stores, Niwot, CO-based Lucky’s Market BB #:288938 has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and reportedly plans to sell its remaining stores.

The small format premium natural and organic foods grocer, which started in 2003, expanded rapidly following investment from Cincinnati-based Kroger Co. BB #:100073 in 2016.

Kroger announced in December it was exiting that investment.

According to a Bloomberg article, Kroger owned as much as a 55% stake in Lucky’s.

According to the bankruptcy petition filed January 27 in Delaware, Lucky’s has received offers for equipment and leases at 26 stores.

It also reportedly has agreements with Batavia, IL-based Aldi Inc. BB #:116756 to take over leases for five and acquire one store, and with Lakeland FL-based Publix Super Markets Inc. BB #:110909 to take over five leases. The company did not say which stores these agreements involve.

Lucky’s reportedly plans to continue operating seven stores during the sale, and has enough cash on hand to continue paying creditors.