The year was 1961 when Ed Kenyan received a call from his father-in-law, Hoyt Tompkins, telling him that he had just purchased a Piggly Wiggly store in Springhill, Louisiana. Back then Mr. Kenyan was in the management program for Kroger in Texarkana. Hoyt knew that Ed was just the man he needed to run his newly acquired store. So, Hoyt asked Ed if he would move himself, his wife and their 6-month-old little girl from Texarkana to Springhill. (When your father-in-law “asks” you to do something, you make it happen.)

After 2 years running the Piggly Wiggly, Hoyt unexpectedly passed away leaving Ed’s family as the new owner. Knowing what Hoyt would have expected, Ed set out on the journey of building a legacy that would make Hoyt proud.

In late 1971, planning began for the South Main Mall and construction was complete by 1973. Piggly Wiggly of Haynesville was also opened in January of 1973. These stores kept everyone busy for quite a few years and then, in April of 1988, Piggly Wiggly of Homer was acquired. Next, Piggly Wiggly of Plain Dealing came along in Sept. 1989.

Fast forward to today Kenyan Grocery Company now has 16 stores in 4 different states employing 400-450 people. The legacy Ed strived for, he accomplished and will live on for many years to come.