FORT WORTH, TEXAS – Ben E. Keith Foods announced on June 1 that it would acquire Orrell’s Food Service Inc.

Properties in the deal include JEM Foods Inc., a meat processing facility located in Linwood, NC, and a 106,000 square foot distribution center. With the purchase, Ben E. Keith will now create a tenth division across 19 states. Additionally, the distribution division will be renamed Ben E. Keith Foods – Carolina Division in the coming months.

“The acquisition of Orrell’s allows Ben E. Keith Foods to continue its expansion into North Carolina, serve new and existing customers, and provide additional opportunity for our employees and partners,” said Mike Sweet, president of Ben E. Keith Foods. “We are excited to welcome all Orrell Food Service employees into our organization and continue a strong focus on customer service.”

Orrell’s Food Service was founded in 1954 and works with customers in Greensboro/Winston-Salem, Raleigh/Durham and Charlotte markets as well as southern Virginia. The Orrell family owned and operated the company until the sale.

“The Orrell family is honored to be a part of the Ben E. Keith Foods strategic market expansion,” said Tony Orrell, president of Orrell’s Food Service. “As two family owned businesses, both companies strive to be trusted partners and bring value to our customers and suppliers. The investments in our facilities, and the expansion of our product offerings and resources for our customers, will ensure a future of continued success.”

Ben E. Keith Foods plans to retain all current employees for Orrell’s. Keith Swan, a 20-year veteran of Ben E. Keith, relocated from the company’s Southeast Division to Linwood to work as the general manager of Orrell’s effective immediately.