Hughes Markets

Troubled Knudsen Foods, the largest dairy in the West, was tossed a lifeline Wednesday by Hughes Markets and Kraft Inc., which agreed to buy most of the company's operations in California and Nevada. The sale, which must be approved by Bankruptcy Court, would save more than 1,500 jobs and would ensure the survival of the Knudsen and Foremost brand names, well known to generations of Californians for cottage cheese, milk and other dairy products.

In the latest in a wave of Southern California supermarket mergers, Ralphs Grocery Co. said Thursday it will be combined with Hughes Family Markets in a two-part transaction that would extend Ralphs' lead as the region's largest supermarket chain. If federal and state regulators approve the deal, Hughes stores would be converted to Ralphs. While no store closings are planned, Ralphs plans to cut costs and pass those savings on to consumers, said Ron Burkle, chairman of the Yucaipa Cos.

Hughes Family Markets said Wednesday that it will be acquired for $360 million by Quality Food Centers Inc., a growing Washington state supermarket chain. Hughes, founded in 1952 by Joseph Hughes and based in Irwindale, is a privately held company with revenue of approximately $1 billion and 56 stores in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. QFC, a 41-year-old company headquartered in Bellevue, Wash.

Hughes Family Markets said Wednesday that it will be acquired for $360 million by Quality Food Centers Inc., a growing Washington state supermarket chain. Hughes, founded in 1952 by Joseph Hughes and based in Irwindale, is a privately held company with revenue of approximately $1 billion and 56 stores in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties. QFC, a 41-year-old company headquartered in Bellevue, Wash.

You can tell Carol Osterhage that Hughes Market in West Los Angeles has scrapple in the frozen meat section. I just happened to see it there the other day. I'm sure other Hughes Markets carry it too. J. KAWAGUCHI, West Los Angeles

I've read and reread Lois Dwan's comments on restaurants she reviewed this past year and don't understand a word of it--"We could have been a city under siege, subsisting on rats and elephants" ("Wondrous Memories," Dec. 29). Real crazy! You should have at least written an English translation. Then, if she and Ruth Reichl disappeared and were never heard from again, it would be no great loss. I would also like to recommend to Times' readers who don't have $50-$85 (food only)

Question: Last holiday season I tried unsuccessfully to find sorghum (not molasses) in the supermarkets. I have a favorite recipe for popcorn balls that calls for it and would like to make them for my grandchildren at Halloween and Christmas. Can you give me a source? Answer: Sorghum, the sweet juice that resembles cane syrup, can be found in some health-food stores around the Southland. All Mrs.

In the latest in a wave of Southern California supermarket mergers, Ralphs Grocery Co. said Thursday it will be combined with Hughes Family Markets in a two-part transaction that would extend Ralphs' lead as the region's largest supermarket chain. If federal and state regulators approve the deal, Hughes stores would be converted to Ralphs. While no store closings are planned, Ralphs plans to cut costs and pass those savings on to consumers, said Ron Burkle, chairman of the Yucaipa Cos.

The body of an 18-year-old woman discovered this weekend in a brush-covered area near the Hollywood Freeway was identified Monday as that of Janice Eileen Hughes, granddaughter of the founder of Hughes Markets Inc. Hughes apparently died of a drug overdose, according to Lt. Ed Hocking, a Los Angeles police detective assigned to the Hollywood Division. An autopsy is scheduled today. A transient discovered the body about 8:30 a.m.

A bankruptcy judge on Friday approved the $68-million sale of ailing Knudsen Food's extensive California and Nevada dairy operations to food industry giant Kraft Inc. and to Hughes Markets Inc. The sale saves hundreds of jobs, especially in Los Angeles, where Knudsen has two major plants, and ensures the continuation of the Knudsen name, known to generations of Californians for cottage cheese, yogurt and milk.

You can tell Carol Osterhage that Hughes Market in West Los Angeles has scrapple in the frozen meat section. I just happened to see it there the other day. I'm sure other Hughes Markets carry it too. J. KAWAGUCHI, West Los Angeles

Question: Last holiday season I tried unsuccessfully to find sorghum (not molasses) in the supermarkets. I have a favorite recipe for popcorn balls that calls for it and would like to make them for my grandchildren at Halloween and Christmas. Can you give me a source? Answer: Sorghum, the sweet juice that resembles cane syrup, can be found in some health-food stores around the Southland. All Mrs.

A bankruptcy judge on Friday approved the $68-million sale of ailing Knudsen Food's extensive California and Nevada dairy operations to food industry giant Kraft Inc. and to Hughes Markets Inc. The sale saves hundreds of jobs, especially in Los Angeles, where Knudsen has two major plants, and ensures the continuation of the Knudsen name, known to generations of Californians for cottage cheese, yogurt and milk.

A bankruptcy judge today approved the sale of about half of the operations of ailing Knudsen Foods Inc. to food industry giant Kraft Inc. and Southern California grocery operator Hughes Markets Inc. U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Barry Russell approved the sale of most of Knudsen's California and Nevada operations for a previously agreed upon price of $68 million. Knudsen is the largest dairy operator in the West. An 11th-hour threat by the French conglomerate Bongrain S.A.

Troubled Knudsen Foods, the largest dairy in the West, was tossed a lifeline Wednesday by Hughes Markets and Kraft Inc., which agreed to buy most of the company's operations in California and Nevada. The sale, which must be approved by Bankruptcy Court, would save more than 1,500 jobs and would ensure the survival of the Knudsen and Foremost brand names, well known to generations of Californians for cottage cheese, milk and other dairy products.

I've read and reread Lois Dwan's comments on restaurants she reviewed this past year and don't understand a word of it--"We could have been a city under siege, subsisting on rats and elephants" ("Wondrous Memories," Dec. 29). Real crazy! You should have at least written an English translation. Then, if she and Ruth Reichl disappeared and were never heard from again, it would be no great loss. I would also like to recommend to Times' readers who don't have $50-$85 (food only)

A bankruptcy judge today approved the sale of about half of the operations of ailing Knudsen Foods Inc. to food industry giant Kraft Inc. and Southern California grocery operator Hughes Markets Inc. U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Barry Russell approved the sale of most of Knudsen's California and Nevada operations for a previously agreed upon price of $68 million. Knudsen is the largest dairy operator in the West. An 11th-hour threat by the French conglomerate Bongrain S.A.

Al Brennan has been named vice president-finance at Hughes Markets, Los Angeles. Brennan previously was treasurer.

The body of an 18-year-old woman discovered this weekend in a brush-covered area near the Hollywood Freeway was identified Monday as that of Janice Eileen Hughes, granddaughter of the founder of Hughes Markets Inc. Hughes apparently died of a drug overdose, according to Lt. Ed Hocking, a Los Angeles police detective assigned to the Hollywood Division. An autopsy is scheduled today. A transient discovered the body about 8:30 a.m.