True Value Hardware, the iconic hardware store we all grew up with, has just filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy.
It’s happening time and time again. Companies are having to shut down locations, even entire companies, due to the struggling American economy.
True Value has been an American staple for over 75 years. They have now entered into an agreement to sell substantially all of their business operations to competitor Do it Best Corp.
The good news here is that True Value hardware stores themselves will remain open as all but one of those are independently owned.
But the True Value brand that oversees products and vendor purchases and day-to-day correspondence with the franchisee owners will have new owners.
“We believe that entering the process with an agreed offer from Do it Best, who has a similar decades-long history in the home improvement space and also operates with a focus on supporting members and helping them grow, is the most beneficial next step for True Value and our associates, customers, and vendor partners,” says True Value CEO, Chris Kempa.
Do it Best is no slouch business. They make around $5 billion a year in revenue and are the second biggest co-op franchise in America.
They operate over 4,000 stores across the world. It’s basically them, Ace Hardware and True Value. So with this acquisition, they are eating the competitor.
23 Country Stars With Their Own Bars + Restaurants
Of all of the side hustles country artists could partake in, opening a bar or restaurant is the most fitting — and very common. After all, many of these stars got their start on a barstool, tip jar nearby, playing their music for anyone who would listen.
These places feel like home for many of these singers. Over the years, several artists have gotten into the bar or restaurant game, and for a select few, brands have turned into franchises with several locations and/or concepts — we’re looking at you, Jimmy Buffett!
Let’s take a look at the country star food and entertainment venues that have opened over the years.
Gallery Credit: Jess
Jelly Roll: 25 Stunning Facts About the ‘Save Me’ Singer
Jelly Roll is country music’s most fascinating character. His life has taken dozens of wild twists and turns, and he’s been honest about all of it. Here are 25 facts about the “Save Me” singer and his family.
Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes