History of Earth Fare in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: December 28, 2024

Earth Fare is a supermarket chain specializing in natural and organic foods, claiming to uphold the highest product standards in the US. Once a major player in the natural foods market, the company closed all its stores in February 2020. However, it has since rebounded, reopening three locations by June 2020 and expanding to 20 operating stores by March 2021. The chain primarily serves the southeastern United States.

1975: Dinner for the Earth Founded

In 1975, Roger Derrough founded "Dinner for the Earth" in Asheville, North Carolina, specializing in organic dried bulk foods and wellness products.

1994: Rebranding and Expansion

In 1994, Dinner for the Earth rebranded as Earth Fare, expanding into a full-service store with a wider range of products.

2012: Oak Hill Capital Acquisition

In 2012, Oak Hill Capital acquired Earth Fare.

November 2017: Expansion into Virginia

Earth Fare expanded its operations into Virginia in November 2017, opening three locations.

2018: Store Closures in Atlanta and Columbus

During 2018, Earth Fare closed two stores in Atlanta, Georgia, and one in Columbus, Ohio.

2019: Planned Expansion

In 2019, Earth Fare announced plans to open fifty additional stores by 2024.

January 2020: Store Closures

In January 2020, Earth Fare closed locations in Gainesville, Florida, and Fairfax, Virginia.

February 3, 2020: Earth Fare Announces Closure and Bankruptcy

On February 3, 2020, Earth Fare announced its decision to go out of business and liquidate all stores, and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

February 2020: Earth Fare Closes All Stores

In February 2020, Earth Fare announced the closure and liquidation of all its stores due to financial challenges and the inability to refinance debt.

February 25, 2020: All Earth Fare Locations Close

By February 25, 2020, all Earth Fare locations had closed their doors.

June 2020: Earth Fare Reopens Three Locations

In June 2020, following an investment, Earth Fare reopened three of its locations after closing all stores earlier in the year.

2020: Revival and Reopenings

In 2020, with investment from Hulsing Enterprises, Earth Fare began reopening several locations after its initial closure, starting with the Westgate store in Asheville.