Texas grocery chain closes another store as rising costs take toll

A longtime Texas supermarket is preparing to close its doors, leaving shoppers with one fewer neighborhood grocery option. The shutdown marks another setback for a regional chain that has been reducing its footprint across the Houston area.

Food Town closes Deer Park location

Food Town’s supermarket at 3322 Center Street in Deer Park, Texas, is scheduled to close on December 24, 2026, when its lease expires, according to reporting by the Houston Chronicle published October 14.

The store’s closure was attributed to rising rent and underperformance dating back to the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Deer Park Economic Development reported that the store manager confirmed the decision had been made by Food Town’s corporate office.

The property is reportedly expected to be converted into a fitness center, although details about the incoming tenant have not been fully confirmed.

Food Town has not publicly announced the closure, and its corporate office had not responded to the Houston Chronicle‘s request for comment at the time of publication. An employee at the Deer Park location confirmed the planned shutdown to the newspaper.

The company is reportedly working to place the store’s manager and bakery manager at other Food Town locations in the region.

Grocery chain continues to shrink its footprint

Food Town launched its first supermarket in Pasadena, Texas, in 1994. The independent grocery chain built its business around national-brand products, fresh produce, quality meats, and competitive prices.

According to the company’s website, Food Town had 25 locations remaining in the Houston area as of the October report.

The Deer Park shutdown will mark the fifth Food Town closure in Southeast Texas over a two-year period. Previous closures included stores in Sugar Land, Baytown, Houston, and Webster.

A growing trend

The latest closure highlights the challenges facing neighborhood supermarkets as they contend with rising occupancy costs and changing shopping patterns.

For Deer Park shoppers, the store’s final day is currently scheduled for Christmas Eve. Customers will need to find alternative locations for their grocery purchases once the supermarket closes.

Food Town’s remaining stores are expected to continue serving customers across the Houston region.

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