Family Express, Leo’s Market & Eatery Announce Partnership
The arrangement means Leo’s signature food items, including kolaches, will be in Family Express stores.
Oct 06, 2026 | 2 min read
Indiana-based retailers Family Express and Leo’s Market & Eatery announced this week a new partnership, in which Family Express will assume operations of Leo's Market & Eatery locations in suburban Indianapolis and Lafayette, while Leo’s will prioritize on expanding its food program and commissary operations, continuing to develop Leo’s Eatery as a standalone food-focused concept. The transaction is expected to close later this fall.
Under the new structure, Leo’s will continue producing and supplying its signature kolaches and other fresh food offerings to the transitioning Leo’s locations, as well as Family Express’s approximately 90 stores throughout Indiana, the companies said. Leo’s food platform also includes sandwiches, salads, grab-and-go offerings and other prepared foods.
"This partnership allows both organizations to focus on what they do best," said Stephanie White-Longworth, owner and president of Leo’s Market & Eatery. "Over the past several years, our team has worked tirelessly to develop a customer-centric food concept centered around freshness, quality and convenience. This agreement creates a unique opportunity to preserve and enhance our central commissary while allowing us to focus on the continued development and expansion of Leo's Eatery as a standalone concept.”
Gus Olympidis, president and chief executive officer of Family Express, said, “We are excited to partner with the Leo’s Market & Eatery team. Leo’s has built an impressive portfolio of high-quality stores, along with an exceptional food program, and its kolaches have become a beloved part of the brand’s legacy. We look forward to building upon that strong foundation, bringing Leo’s signature products to even more customers throughout Indiana, and continuing the strong relationships Leo’s has established in its communities. This partnership strengthens our presence in the Indianapolis market, enhances our growing portfolio and creates exciting opportunities for future growth.”
Last year, Family Express announced plans to invest approximately $100 million in new store development throughout the state.
The retailer was featured in a 2024 Ideas 2 Go video.
