12 Iconic Supermarkets from the Past That Went Bankrupt

These 12 once-beloved supermarkets were the kings of grocery shopping before financial troubles sent them into history.

Sophia Zapanta
March 26, 2025
4 min read

12 Iconic Supermarkets from the Past That Went Bankrupt — Dua'a Al-Amad on Pexels

Supermarkets come and go, but some once-dominant grocery stores had spectacular falls. Whether due to competition, bad management, or changing consumer habits, these 12 iconic chains couldn’t keep their doors open. Let’s take a nostalgic look at what made them great and why they didn’t survive.

1. A&P (The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company)

Andre Carrotflower on Wikimedia Commons

A&P was once the biggest supermarket chain in the U.S., dominating grocery shopping for over a century. It failed because it couldn’t keep up with modern superstores like Walmart and Kroger. Management refused to update stores or adapt to changing shopping trends. By 2015, A&P declared bankruptcy for the second time, marking the end of an era.

2. Pathmark

GRUBBXDN on Wikimedia Commons

Pathmark was a go-to store in the Northeast, known for its large selection and low prices. It thrived for decades but struggled after being bought by A&P in 2007. A&P’s financial troubles dragged Pathmark down with it. When A&P went under, so did Pathmark, closing all stores in 2015.

3. Winn-Dixie (Almost Gone)

Phillip Pessar on Wikimedia Commons

Winn-Dixie was once a Southern powerhouse, famous for its catchy jingle and loyal customers. Financial struggles led to bankruptcy in 2005, and while Southeastern Grocers later bought it, its future remains uncertain. Store closures have been ongoing, and competition is fierce. Winn-Dixie isn’t fully gone but is now a shadow of its former self.

4. Dominick’s

Jonrev on Wikimedia Commons

Chicagoans loved Dominick’s, a family-run chain that grew into a household name. It thrived for decades until Safeway bought it and made changes that customers hated. Sales dropped, and in 2013, Safeway decided to pull the plug. Every Dominick’s store was closed or sold off, ending a 95-year legacy.

5. Alpha Beta

Orange County Archives on Wikimedia Commons

With a name that sounded more like a fraternity than a grocery store, Alpha Beta was once a major West Coast chain. It pioneered the modern supermarket layout but was eventually sold to Lucky Stores in the ’80s. Later mergers and rebranding led to its disappearance. By the ’90s, Alpha Beta was completely gone.

6. Grand Union

Downtowngal on Wikimedia Commons

Grand Union was a Northeast giant known for its variety and convenience. Mismanagement and outdated stores made competing with newer, shinier supermarkets hard. After several failed comeback attempts, it declared bankruptcy in 2001. Some locations were sold, but the brand itself disappeared.

7. Kash n’ Karry

Bgtbbum on Wikimedia Commons

Floridians remember Kash n’ Karry for its no-frills shopping and budget-friendly deals. It struggled against Publix and Walmart, losing customers year after year. The company rebranded as Sweetbay in 2004, but that didn’t work either. By 2013, the name Kash n’ Karry was history.

8. Furr’s Supermarkets

Food Management Partners on Wikimedia Commons

Furr’s was a regional favorite in the Southwest, serving customers with hometown charm. However, it expanded too fast, and financial troubles followed. A failed merger in the ’90s led to bankruptcy, and the remaining stores were eventually sold or shut down.

9. National Supermarkets

FinnaUploadBot on Wikimedia Commons

National was a Midwest staple known for quality products and strong customer loyalty. The chain was bought and sold multiple times, losing its identity along the way. By the ’90s, it couldn’t compete with larger national chains. The last stores closed, leaving behind memories of a once-great grocer.

10. Schwegmann’s

Infrogmation of New Orleans on Wikimedia Commons

New Orleans had a soft spot for Schwegmann’s, a local chain with massive stores and a unique shopping experience. It was ahead of its time but expanded too aggressively. Financial troubles hit hard in the late ’90s, and bankruptcy soon followed. By 1999, Schwegmann’s was completely gone.

11. Bi-Lo

Mike Kalasnik on Wikimedia Commons

Bi-Lo was a big name in the South, competing with giants like Publix and Food Lion. A series of financial issues led to bankruptcy filings in 2009 and 2018. Southeastern Grocers tried to save it but ultimately phased out the brand. By 2021, Bi-Lo was officially dead.

12. AppleTree Markets

Diako1971 on Wikimedia Commons

AppleTree was born out of a failed Safeway spin-off in Texas. It never found its footing and struggled with debt from the start. Attempts to turn things around didn’t work, and locations slowly disappeared. By the late ’90s, AppleTree was just another name in grocery history.