Hen House Markets - Kansas City

The Kansas City area boasts 13 eclectic grocery stores called Hen House Markets.  They are, simply, some of the finest grocery stores I've ever been in.   

Hen House Markets were first known as Ball's when the first one opened in the 1920's by Sidney and Mollie Ball in Kansas City, KS.  Ball's Food Stores, Inc. have grown today to include 15 Ball's Price Chopper warehouse-style grocery stores throughout Kansas City, and 11 Hen Houses on the Kansas side of Kansas City, with two more on the Missouri side.

You'll find the Hen House Markets in the more upscale shopping areas in suburbs around Kansas City.  They have a great meat department, great produce and a wonderful deli.  The shopping experience at a Hen House is one of a comfortable nature, mixed in with very pleasant surroundings.

But don't let the eclectic nature of the stores fool you - their everyday grocery items are competitive with the larger chains in the area.  They also offer on line specials that change weekly so you don't have to wait until the Wednesday ads come out in the local paper to see what Hen House has on sale.

Recently, Ball's Price Chopper stores have been feeling pressure from the two big competitors in the area - Hy-Vee and WalMart.  But the Hen House Markets all seem to be growing and getting stronger.   

Hen House Markets have specialty areas for pet food (with food and treats from the famous Three Dog Bakery in Kansas City), organic foods and a nice floral department.   

I wish we had something like a Hen House around the Quad Cities.  It's a pretty nifty place to shop.

   

Comments

[Sue Van Gorp (Harrelson)]

Hi Will,
Since when were you in a Hen House? I live right by one in Lenexa. It is very nice. Your website is very informative and interesting! Keep it up.
Sue

[Will Veber]

Sue! I was at the one in Overland Park when I was in KC a week ago. My big dealer in Kansas City is Accent Sound next to the one on 135th at Metcalf.

I've told Jeff V. that when I get the time when I go to KC I need to call up you and Stu and head to Jerry's Bait Shop for a beer or six!