Rural King to open 15 new stores, closing one in the Tri-State

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Rural King has announced the addition of five new stores in 2024, including expansion into a 14th state, as part of a long-term growth strategy that includes opening 15 stores over the next 13 months. Despite this, one location will be closing in the Tri-State.

The company also announced it will relocate its Muhlenberg County location to Hopkinsville, Kentucky and consolidate the Rantoul, Illinois, location with the Champaign, Illinois, store on Tuesday. According to staff with the Rural King location in Powderly, the Powderly location will be closed as a result of this.

The company credits its growth to the “passion” of its associates and their “dedication” to serving rural communities. Officials say Rural King will create more than 750 new jobs and stimulate economic growth in communities across rural America.

“Rural King is entering an exciting phase of growth,” said Steve Barbarick, president and CEO of Rural King. “As a family-owned business with 64 years of history, Rural King has always been deeply committed to serving our friends, family and neighbors across our communities. These strategic changes will allow us to build even stronger relationships with our customers, create new jobs, and support the growth of rural America.”

“My family is honored to continue investing in the growth and development of Rural King and its associates,” said Alex Melvin, owner of Rural King. “None of this would be possible without their loyalty and dedication to our customers. We appreciate the opportunity to serve our communities.”

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