Randall's Food Markets operates 109 supermarkets in the Houston, Austin, and Dallas-Fort Worth areas under the Randalls,FlagshipRandalls, Tom Thumb, Flagship Tom Thumb, and Simon David banners. Randall's employs more than 10,000 associates and is the Texas division of Safeway Inc. The Texas division of Safeway is headquartered in the Westchase district of Houston.[2][3][4] The office served as the headquarters of the independent Randall's company before its takeover.[5] The Randall's distribution center is inunincorporated Harris County, Texas.[6]
 

 
Randall's headquarters in Westchase,Houston

Most stores include fresh seafood, floral, cosmetic, bakery and film processing departments. The premium Flagship Randalls and Flagship Tom Thumb stores have increased their take-out departments to provide fresh made pizzas, pastas and barbecue. Many locations even offer bank branches, ATMs, coffee shops, one-hour photograph processing, drive-through pharmacy windows, fueling stations and full-service counters where a customer can purchase lottery or movie tickets, pay utility bills and car license renewals.

History
Randalls Food Markets was founded by Robert R. Onstead, R. C. Barclay, and Norman N. Frewin in Houston, Texas, on July 4, 1966, with the purchase of two existing grocery stores.[citation needed] The first Randall's opened in 1966.[7] The company's fourth store opened in 1970, and by the end of the decade the company owned 15 stores and had established itself in the market.[citation needed] In 1980 Randall's had 8% of the Houston area grocery market, making it the fourth largest grocer there.[7] By 1985 the company was the second largest grocer in the five-county Greater Houston area, with 17% of the sales in the market.[8] By 1990 the chain had expanded to 42 stores. In 1991 Randall's earned over a billion dollars in revenue, making it the fastest growing company in Houston.

Expanding from Houston
 

 
 
A Randalls Food & Pharmacy store in The Woodlands in Montgomery County, Texas.

In the 1990s Randall's expanded into Dallas, Fort Worth and Austin. Cullum Companies, owner of 62 Tom Thumb and Simon David stores in Dallas, Fort Worth and Austin, became part of the Randall's family in 1992, doubling the company's size with more than 115 stores statewide.[9] The Tom Thumb logo was changed to one similar to Randall's, but the Tom Thumb name was retained. Already in Austin with the Tom Thumb name, Randall's added its own name to the market in January 1994 when the company bought 12 AppleTree Markets stores (ironically a grocer formed with former Safeway locations as a result of Safeway leaving Texas in 1988). Nine of the 12 AppleTree Markets and all seven Tom Thumb stores were converted to the Randalls banner, giving the company a significant presence in the Texas Hill Country. The remaining three AppleTree stores were closed.[10][11][12][13][14] Though the Simon David would remain open until December 1996, after which it became a Saks Fifth Avenue.[15][16] After many customers lamented the loss of Austin's only Simon David, Randall's decided in 1998 to make its Bee Caves store a Flagship Randall's supermarket, the first in the city and the eighth in the chain.[17]

After 28 years in operation, Randall's began to sell beer and wine in its stores in late 1994. (Though company-owned Tom Thumb and AppleTree stores in Dallas and Austin acquired beginning in 1992 had already been selling beer and wine.)

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co.
 

 
A Flagship Randalls store in Houston, Texas.

In April 1997, buyout firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. invested $225 million in exchange for a majority interest in the supermarket chain. Randall's then accelerated its growth in various markets and at the same time sold or closed a number of stores that choked advancement.[18][19] Within a year, the company opened one store in Houston and three stores in Dallas (including two replacement stores), while closing four stores in Houston, two stores in Dallas (which were replaced) and four stores in Austin.

On February 28, 1999, Randall's had 45 Houston area stores, generating $1060.2 million in annual sales. It had 20.3% of the Houston area grocery market. It had 7,876 Houston-area employees. Within a year before February 28, 1999, one store was opened and seven were remodeled.[20] In July of that year it had 20.2% of the area market, making it the second largest grocer there.[7]

Safeway
In 1999, Safeway Inc., a Fortune 50 company and one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America based on sales, bought the then 116-store Randall's/Tom Thumb chain.[21][22] The purchase was announced on Friday July 23, 1999.[7] Safeway retained the Randall's name in Houston and Austin and the Tom Thumb and Simon David names in Dallas/Fort Worth, but replaced many of the Randall's/Tom Thumb "Remarkable" house brands with Safeway-label items. Randall's Food Markets, Inc., became a division of Safeway and changed its division name to Randall's Food & Drugs. By 2001, Randall's operated 46 stores in the Houston area, 12 stores in Austin and 69 stores in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area (under the Tom Thumb and Simon David banners).

In early 2005, Safeway was rumored to be attempting to sell the then 138-store Randall's division.[23][24] Instead, Safeway announced by the end of the year it would close 15 Randall's stores in the Houston area, one in Austin, and nine Tom Thumb stores in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.[25][26][27] Following the closures Randall's/Tom Thumb operated 62 stores in Dallas, 36 in Houston and 14 in Austin. Safeway said the move would revitalize the Texas division and that it planned to remodel stores to fit its nationally-implemented "Lifestyle" format and introduce proprietary products. The new Lifestyle format features an expanded selection of perishables and a number of unique offerings, including a large selection of natural and organic foods, full-service meat counters, full-service bakeries and floral design centers, as well as sushi bars and olive bars. As a result of intense competition in Randall's operating markets, the "Lifestyle" format stores are Safeway's response in an attempt to recover lost market share. In Houston, market share fell to 6.9% in 2006.[28]

Community involvement
During Hurricane Alicia in 1983, Randall's kept its doors open despite serious flooding. Over the years Randall's has donated to myriad local causes. Since 1996 alone over nearly $24 million has been given to some 8,000 local non-profit organizations.[citation needed]
Although many stores closed during Hurricane Ike, they rushed to reopen after the storm had passed. The Galveston, Texas store received heavy water damage due to the storm surge, but managed to reopen shortly after the storm. The store's gas station was one of the first in Galveston to reopen.[29]

Hurricane Relief Fund
After Hurricane Ike, Randall's partnered with KHOU Channel 11, 104.1 KRBE, and Jack FM for the Hurricane Ike Relief Fund in order to help those in need.

Loyalty program
 

 
A Randalls Remarkable Card

Randall's offers a loyalty card (Remarkable Card) that provides a discount on some items, as well as a 3-cent discount on gasoline or a portion of sales proceeds donated to charity. The loyalty card is good at all Safeway stores. (Loyalty cards issued before the purchase by Safeway can only be used at Randall's and Tom Thumb stores; Safeway-branded loyalty cards can be used at Randall's and Tom Thumb exactly as in a Safeway-branded store.) The Power Pump Rewards owned by Safeway that previously allowed customers to spend $100 to receive a 10-cent gas discount was discontinued on September 12, 2009.

Pharmacy

About Our Pharmacists
Our Pharmacists are experienced health professionals here to provide you with superior service and total confidentiality. We fill prescriptions, offer advice, explain medications, discuss over-the-counter medications and more! Your health is our top priority, so stop in today.

Prevention Care
Getting screening tests and vaccinations is an important part of preventive care. Find out which tests and immunizations are recommended by age group and gender. Use these guidelines when discussing a disease prevention plan with your health care provider. You may need a plan that is different, depending on your situation.

This schedule comes from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, unless otherwise noted.

If you're a smoker and you need some more reasons to quit, take a look at what the U.S. Surgeon General has to say: If you stop now, you'll have a better quality of life and more years to live it.

As you probably already know, quitting smoking isn't easy. But, millions of other people have done it, and you can, too. Smoking-cessation aids, such as those listed here, can increase your chance of success:

• Quit lines. When you call a quit line, you can talk with someone who's trained to help people quit smoking. It's free, and you can call almost any time. Find a quit line by calling the American Cancer Society.
• Nicotine patches. They give you a measured dose of nicotine through your skin to fight cravings. And, you can buy patches without a prescription. Several types and strengths are available. The one you choose depends on your body size and how much you smoked.
• Nicotine gum. This fast-acting form of nicotine replacement doesn't require a prescription. And, it comes in two strengths: 2 mg and 4 mg. Chew the gum slowly until it tastes peppery. Then, place the gum against your cheek. Alternate chewing it and placing it next to your cheek for about 20 to 30 minutes. But, don't eat or drink anything when using the gum. This reduces nicotine absorption. Scheduling your doses throughout the day may be more effective for calming cravings.
• Nicotine nasal spray. A prescription nasal spray delivers nicotine quickly to the bloodstream. So, it immediately relieves withdrawal symptoms. The spray offers a sense of control over cravings, and most smokers using it report great results. But, it can cause sneezing and watery eyes because it tastes peppery. The FDA recommends using it only for up to six months.
• Nicotine inhalers. Using this prescription device is similar to smoking a cigarette. When you puff on the inhaler, a cartridge inside the plastic tube gives off nicotine. But, the medication doesn't go into your lungs. It's delivered to your mouth for quick absorption.
• Nicotine lozenges. These over-the-counter lozenges also are available in 2-mg and 4-mg strengths. You decide which dose to take based on when you usually had your first cigarette of the day. You'll absorb less nicotine if you eat or drink while using a lozenge.
• Zyban. This non-nicotine prescription medication affects chemicals that are responsible for cravings, so it reduces withdrawal symptoms. It contains the active ingredient bupropion, which is used as an antidepressant. You can use it alone or with nicotine-replacement therapy.
• Chantix. This oral presription medication contains the active ingredient varenicline tartrate It reduces nicotine withdrawal symptoms and decreases the pleasure you get from smoking. Side effects can include changes in mood or behavior, so it is important to use this medication under medical supervision.
Quit-smoking aids can help you have a smoke-free future. But, it's also smart to develop a plan to change your personal habits and set up a network of emotional support. Turn to family and friends— and your doctor. He or she can give you valuable information on quitting.

Breast Cancer Risk Assessment
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women (other than skin cancer). The American Cancer Society reports the breast cancer death rate is declining, probably because of earlier detection and improved treatment. This short assessment will help you determine if you have major risk factors for breast cancer.

Cervical Cancer Risk Assessment
This assessment is valid for women between the ages of 21 and 69 who have had sexual intercourse at least once and who have not had a hysterectomy with removal of the cervix.

Colorectal Cancer Risk Assessment
Cancer of the colon or rectum (colorectal cancer) usually develops slowly, over several years. Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in both men and women in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Still, the death rate from colorectal cancer has been dropping for the last 15 years because of better detection and treatment. Take this simple assessment to learn about your risks for colorectal cancer.

Coronary Artery Disease Assessment
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. It is the leading cause of death in the United States in both men and women. Determine your risk for developing CAD using this assessment tool.

Osteoporosis Risk Assessment for Women
Osteoporosis is a disease that slowly weakens bones until they break easily. People who suffer a broken bone related to osteoporosis often experience a downward turn in their overall health.

Ovarian Cancer Risk Assessment
A woman's risk of getting invasive ovarian cancer during her lifetime is about 1 in 71. This short assessment will help you determine if you have major risk factors for ovarian cancer.

Stress Trigger Assessment
Too much stress can affect both your emotional and physical health. This assessment will help you identify your life "stressors."

Type 2 Diabetes Risk Assessment
The questions in this assessment ask about risk factors—conditions that may put you at risk for developing type 2 diabetes. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) states that the more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to develop diabetes.

References
1. ^ Safeway Promotes Schwicke, McTavish, Supermarket News, May 24, 2010.
2. ^ "Randall's Food Markets, Inc." Manta. Retrieved on April 30, 2009.
3. ^ "SECT8-key.gif." Westchase District. Retrieved on April 30, 2009.
4. ^ "Division Offices." Safeway. Retrieved on April 30, 2009.
5. ^ "Randalls Food Markets Inc." Randall's Food Markets. March 3, 2000. Retrieved on April 30, 2009.
6. ^ "Distribution Centers." Safeway Inc. 2. Retrieved on May 13, 2010.
7. ^ a b c d Sit-DuVall, Mary. "`Right' store was ripe for picking / Randalls joins trend with deal." Houston Chronicle. Saturday July 24, 1999. Business 1. Retrieved on December 1, 2011.
8. ^ Crown, Judith. "Randall's vaults to No.2 in grocery sales." Houston Chronicle. Wednesday December 11, 1985. Business 1. Retrieved on October 14, 2012.
9. ^ Hassell, Greg, Ralph Bivins, Dee Gill, and Ron Nissimov. "Randall's to buy large Dallas chain." Houston Chronicle. Thursday July 2, 1992. A1. Retrieved on October 14, 2012.
10. ^ Randalls shuts three AppleTrees; Nine other area stores are closed temporarily for conversion after grocery buyout, Austin American-Statesman, January 19, 1994.
11. ^ Clash of the titans; Industry giants Randalls, H.E.B. battle for bucks, buyers' interest,Austin American-Statesman, January 22, 1994.
12. ^ Updates from the aisles of Austin's new and changing food stores The goods on groceries, Austin American-Statesman, March 23, 1994.
13. ^ Grocery stores change names to Randall's, Ausin American-Statesman, January 8, 1994.
14. ^ Randalls banner flies over old Tom Thumbs, Austin American-Statesman, January 13, 1994.
15. ^ Saks Fifth Ave. signs letter of intent Austin Business Journal, August 30, 1996.
16. ^ Constructors & Associates turns Simon David into Saks Austin Business Journal, April 18, 1997.
17. ^ Randalls brings Flagship specialty store concept to Austin, Austin American-Statesman, September 24, 1998.
18. ^ Hudgins, Matt (July 25, 1997). "Randalls plans to close Lake Creek location". Austin Business Journal. Retrieved 21 October 2006.
19. ^ Elder, Laura (November 21, 1997). "Randalls sells three stores to rival Albertson's".Houston Business Journal. Retrieved 21 October 2006.
20. ^ Hassell, Greg. "CHRONICLE 100 LEADING COMPANIES OF HOUSTON / Grocers getting food for thought." Houston Chronicle. Sunday May 23, 1999. Special Section, Page 38. Retrieved on December 1, 2011.
21. ^ "Safeway buys Randall's". East Bay Business Times. July 23, 1999. Retrieved 21 October 2006.
22. ^ Elder, Laura (July 30, 1999). "Supermarket merger remarkable". Houston Business Journal. Retrieved 21 October 2006.
23. ^ Goll, David (February 18, 2005). "Safeway to move on Randalls/Tom Thumb's blues?". East Bay Business Times. Retrieved 21 October 2006.
24. ^ Wollam, Allison (February 18, 2005). "Safeway may sell off Randalls in second helping of Houston". Houston Business Journal. Retrieved 21 October 2006.
25. ^ "Safeway to shutter 15 Houston-area Randalls stores". Houston Business Journal. October 19, 2005. Retrieved 21 October 2006.
26. ^ "Safeway to close nine Dallas-Fort Worth Tom Thumb stores". Dallas Business Journal. October 18, 2005. Retrieved 21 October 2006.
27. ^ "26 Randalls, Tom Thumb stores in Texas to close". Austin Business Journal. October 18, 2005. Retrieved 21 October 2006.
28. ^ "New amenities include things like wine stewards and sushi chefs: Randalls stores get makeovers after market share drops to 6.9 percent". The Houston Chronicle. March 24, 2007. Retrieved 7 August 2007.
29. ^ http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/chronicle/6011282.html Houston Chronicle