Houston’s World Food Mart, one of Texas’s largest international grocery stores, has temporarily closed following a bankruptcy filing. This development is part of an ongoing legal dispute.
What Happened
- The store at 14625 Beechnut St. closed in early April.
- Parent companies World Food Imports, Inc. and KGF World Food Warehouse, Inc. filed for bankruptcy on April 3.
- Management cited an extended legal dispute as the primary reason for the closure.
Legal Dispute Background
- In 2014, World Food Mart agreed to sell the store to HHO United Group for $6.6 million.
- In 2015, HHO filed a lawsuit, alleging that World Food Mart failed to complete the sale and continued to operate the store.
- A 2022 court ruling required World Food Mart to:
- Complete the sale
- Pay $3.8 million in profits plus damages
- After several appeals, the ruling was upheld in February 2026.
Immediate Trigger for Closure
- On March 30, HHO filed a temporary restraining order to secure the sale proceeds.
- The following day, World Food Mart filed for bankruptcy protection and ceased operations.
Company Statement
Management stated the decision was made to:
- Ensure employees and vendors are paid fairly
- Allow the court to oversee financial obligations and the sale process.
What’s Next
- A bankruptcy trustee is seeking court approval to:
- Complete the sale of the store to HHO.
- Liquidate remaining inventory, including perishable goods, on an “as is” basis.
Community Impact
The closure impacts:
- Store employees and vendors
- Customers who relied on the store as an international grocery hub.
The company expressed appreciation to the community and requested support during the restructuring process.
Source: Houston Chronicle
https://www.chron.com/food/article/world-food-mart-houston-22192180.php