November 14, 2025 (La Porte, IN) – Kabelin Ace Hardware, a local, family-owned hardware store that has served Northwest Indiana for more than 100 years, announced today that it has joined Houchens Food Group – one of the largest 100% employee-owned companies in the country.

All 150+ employees will be retained in the transition, and Kabelin’s will continue to operate under the same name, leadership, and local management across all eight locations.

“We’re thrilled to join Houchens and become part of an employee-owned company that shares our values,” said Mackenzie Kabelin Watkins, President of Kabelin Ace Hardware. “Together, we’ll have the strength and resources to grow, modernize, and bring the Kabelin experience to even more neighborhoods across the region.”

Mackenzie Kabelin Watkins will continue leading the Kabelin Ace division of Houchens and will focus on strategic growth of the division. Joe Wardman, a third-generation hardware retailer with more than 25 years experience, whose father and grandfather also worked alongside the Kabelin family, will continue to serve in a senior leadership role with the company helping drive day-to-day interactions with customers.

Houchens Food Group operates more than 40 Ace Hardware stores across the country, along with more than 400 grocery, convenience, and retail locations. Because Houchens is 100% employee-owned through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), all eligible employees under the Kabelin banner will become partial owners of the new company.

“What makes Kabelin special is how much they care about their customers, their people, and their communities,” said Tracy Worley, Vice President of Houchens Food Group. “That spirit fits perfectly with who we are. We’re excited to welcome the Kabelin team into our employee-owned family and continue serving Northern Indiana.”

Kabelin Ace Hardware will keep its name, local management, and the same community focus across all eight current locations and will use this opportunity to open new stores in adjacent markets. Customers will still see the same friendly faces, helpful service, and hometown values that have made Kabelin a trusted part of Northwest Indiana for over a century.

“Our customers can count on the same personal service they’ve always known, now backed by the strength of a larger employee-owned company who will ensure we can continue to give that same service for years to come,” said Mackenzie Kabelin Watkins. “This partnership helps us keep our local identity while investing in our people and stores for the future.”

About Kabelin Ace Hardware
Founded in 1912, Kabelin Ace Hardware has been a staple in Northwest Indiana for over 100 years, known for expert advice, friendly service, and community commitment. With eight locations and 150 employees, Kabelin Ace remains dedicated to being “the helpful place.”

About Ace Hardware
Ace Hardware is the largest retailer-owned hardware cooperative in the world with over 5,300 locally owned and operated stores across approximately 70 countries. Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., Ace is known as the place with the helpful hardware folks. Since 1924, Ace has delivered reliable service and quality products to communities around the globe. For more information, visit acehardware.com or newsroom.acehardware.com.

About Houchens Food Group
Houchens Food Group has been dedicated to the communities they serve since 1917 when they opened their first grocery store in Glasgow, KY. Today the company has grown to include 400+ stores in 14 states providing value as a local neighborhood market via grocery stores, convenience stores, hardware markets, and quick service restaurants. They serve their customers through a network of in-house and franchised brands including Ace Hardware, IGA, Price Less, Crossroads, Food Giant, Slim Chickens, Subway, Sonic, and more. Houchens Food Group is proudly 100% employee-owned and a subsidiary of Houchens Industries. For more information, please visit hfginc.com.