CNRG Acquires Frattallone’s Ace Hardware

Larry Frattallone, founder and operator of Frattallone’s Ace Hardware in Arden Hills, MN, and his two sons, Tom and Mike Frattallone, have agreed to sell their business and operating assets to Central Network Retail Group LLC (CNRG), a multiformat, multi-brand retailer headquartered in Collierville, TN.

Frattallone’s Hardware & Garden, with 22 store locations, will become the 18th brand operated by CNRG. Following the November 19, 2021, closing on Frattallone’s, CNRG will operate 139 hardware stores, home centers and lumber yards in 16 states.

“Our family is excited to be partnering with an industry-leading retailer like CNRG,” says Larry Frattallone. “Frattallone’s and CNRG are a great fit. We both understand the importance of taking care of customers and operating first-rate local hardware stores. Tom, Mike and I have worked hard to build the Frattallone brand in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and I am very comfortable knowing CNRG will maintain and grow what we have built together.”

Frattallone’s began in 1975 when Larry Frattallone opened his first store in Arden Hills, a suburb of St. Paul. Their most recent store opened in January 2021, in Little Canada, MN. The brand is known throughout the Twin Cities for its full assortment of hardware, paint, plumbing, electrical, and lawn and garden supplies. Frattallone’s also operates the largest small engine repair shop in the area, servicing thousands of pieces of equipment each year.

“We are thrilled about the opportunity to work with the Frattallones,” says John Sieggreen, CNRG president. “Their reputation in the Twin Cities is unparalleled. There is so much we will be able to learn from them and apply to our other brands throughout the company.”

Mike and Tom Frattallone will each play key leadership roles for both the local Frattallone’s brand and CNRG, joining the CNRG team at the close of the transaction.

Mike Frattallone, who handles day-to-day operations for Frattallone’s, says, “Our team of associates is excited about partnering with CNRG and gaining access to new products, technology, and retail programs that can help them take care of our loyal customers even better than they do today. I couldn’t be more proud of them for how they have handled all the effort that goes into making a change like this.”

Tom Frattallone, responsible for supply chain management at Frattallone’s, added “Frattallone’s has always been very aggressive when it comes to sourcing products that provide both quality and value to our customers. I have been very impressed with the procurement teams at CNRG and Orgill, and I am highly confident in their ability to help us drive our assortments to the next level in terms of sales and productivity.”

Hardware Retailing previously reported on CNRG’s acquisitions of Germantown Hardware in Tennessee and H&M Lumber in Arkansas.