Food City Announces Return of Lay's Meats

Abingdon, VA (Thursday, June 5, 2008) – Today, company officials announced that Food City customers will soon see the return of Lay’s Meats, an all-time regional favorite to the shelves of their retail supermarkets.

“We pride ourselves on top quality products, competitive pricing and exceptional customer service,” says Steven C. Smith, Food City president and chief executive officer.  “Like our company, Lay’s was also a local family-owned operation and we’re thrilled to bring back such a popular line of top quality products”.

“Lay’s history dates back to 1921, when the company was founded by the Lay Family in Knoxville, Tennessee.  Their meat plant, located on East Jackson Avenue, enjoyed great success for over 80 years.  According to Nielson ratings, at one time, Lay’s Quikstart Wieners were the top selling hot dog in the area, outselling all other brands, including national brands.  Lay’s was the official meat brand of the 1982 World’s Fair and “The Merry Song of the Three Little Pigs” remains a well known jingle to area customers.” 

Back by popular demand, a complete line of sliced luncheon meats, bacon, ham, chili, sloppy joe, Three Pig Wieners, Touchdown Beef Franks, Quikstart Wieners, Ole Timer Sausage, Lay’s Bologna and lard will be available.

Lay’s products will be produced in Lenoir City, TN by Family Brands International.  “We’re very excited to see the return of this wonderful regional favorite,” said John Edd Wampler, Family Brands International president.  “We have enjoyed a wonderful relationship with Food City throughout the years and we’re proud to be part of the production of top quality products with such a rich heritage.  

To celebrate the launch, Food City plans to distribute a variety of money-saving coupons and implement special promotional pricing to encourage customers to try their new product line.  Look for great tasting Lay’s meats coming soon to your local Food City.

Headquartered in Abingdon, Virginia, Food City currently operates 98 retail food outlets in the tri-state regions of Southeast Kentucky, Southwest Virginia and Northeast Tennessee.