Skip to main content

Is Safeway Owned By Mormon Church?

by
Last updated on 6 min read
Financial Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor or tax professional for advice specific to your situation.

No, Safeway isn't owned by the Mormon Church as of 2026.

Who owns Safeway?

Safeway is owned by Albertsons Companies as of 2026.

Albertsons runs Safeway as one of its main supermarket brands, along with other familiar names like Vons, Jewel-Osco, and Shaw’s. By 2026, the company still oversees more than 2,200 stores across 35 states and D.C. under these banners. Many locations also include pharmacies, making Albertsons a major player in both food and healthcare retail. If you're interested in joining the team, you might want to check out how to apply for a job at Safeway.

Who started Safeway?

Safeway was founded by S.M. Skaggs in 1915 in American Falls, Idaho.

Skaggs started with a single grocery store built on high-volume, low-margin sales—a strategy that became Safeway’s signature approach. His dad, M.B. Skaggs, helped expand the business, and Marion Barton Skaggs (his son) later scaled it into a regional powerhouse. By the 1920s, Safeway had already spread across the western U.S., setting the stage for its national growth.

What assets does the Mormon Church own?

As of 2020, the Mormon Church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) managed roughly $100 billion in assets.

A 2019 whistleblower report claimed the church held over $100 billion in a single investment fund, though the church hasn’t confirmed the exact number. These holdings include real estate, farmland, and investment portfolios managed through groups like Ensign Peak Advisors. Compared to publicly traded companies, the church’s financial reporting stays pretty tight-lipped, which only adds to the mystery.

What companies does the Mormon Church own?

The Mormon Church owns a wide range of companies, mostly through Deseret Management Corporation.

TypeDivisionsSubsidiariesWebsite
PrivateDeseret Digital Media, Deseret Media Companies, KSL Broadcast DivisionBeneficial Financial Group, Bonneville International Corp., Deseret News, Deseret Book, Hawaii Reserves, Temple Square Hospitality, Bonneville CommunicationsDeseret Management Corporation

The church’s media arm runs KSL-TV and the Deseret News, while Beneficial Financial Group handles insurance and investments. All these businesses fall under Deseret Management Corporation, the church’s investment arm for secular holdings. You’ll find the church’s reach in media, publishing, hospitality, and finance through these subsidiaries.

What is the richest church in the world?

The Vatican (part of the Catholic Church) is the richest church globally, with an estimated net worth of $4 billion.

OrganizationWorth (billion USD)Country
The Vatican (Catholic Church)4.0Vatican City
Opus Dei (Catholic Church)2.0Worldwide
Catholic Church in the Philippines2.0Philippines
Church of Scientology1.7United States

Wealth estimates for religious groups vary wildly because most don’t disclose finances publicly. The Vatican’s riches come from real estate, art, and investments, while the Catholic Church’s assets are spread across dioceses worldwide. The Mormon Church and Scientology also hold major assets but don’t quite match the Vatican’s estimated net worth.

Is the Marriott owned by the Mormon Church?

No, Marriott International isn’t owned by the Mormon Church as of 2026.

The Marriott family, who founded the company, has deep ties to the Mormon Church, but Marriott operates as a publicly traded business. The family’s faith doesn’t mean they control the hotel empire. Marriott runs thousands of hotels worldwide, but most are franchised, not directly owned by the company. For comparison, you might wonder if Best Western is owned by Marriott.

Does Safeway supermarket still exist?

Yes, Safeway supermarkets are still around in the U.S. as of 2026 under Albertsons Companies.

Safeway lives on as a key brand within Albertsons’ massive store network. It briefly vanished from the UK (after Morrisons took over), but in the U.S., it’s thriving. Albertsons has even refreshed many Safeway locations to keep up with modern shopping trends. If you're curious about their offerings, you might check whether Safeway sells Sabrett hot dogs.

Who is the largest supermarket chain in the US?

The Kroger Co. holds the top spot as the largest supermarket chain in the U.S. as of 2026.

Founded in 1883 by Bernard Kroger in Cincinnati, Ohio, the company now runs over 2,700 supermarkets and superstores across 35 states. Kroger ranks as the second-largest retailer in the country—behind only Walmart. Its family of brands includes Ralphs, Fred Meyer, and Harris Teeter, with annual sales topping $150 billion.

Is Kroger owned by Safeway?

No, Kroger and Safeway are separate companies as of 2026.

Safeway belongs to Albertsons Companies, while Kroger stays independent and publicly traded. Both compete head-to-head in groceries, but Kroger leads in market share. They’ve got different supply chains, pricing models, and regional strengths, even though both deal with the same pressures from online shopping and discount grocers.

Why is Safeway so expensive?

Safeway’s prices tend to run higher because of its focus on convenience, location, and premium products—not just one reason.

Shoppers often compare Safeway’s prices to discounters like Aldi or Walmart, but Safeway’s stores are usually in pricier urban or suburban spots with higher operating costs. The chain also pushes customer service, ready-to-eat meals, and organic options, which don’t come cheap. Labor and real estate expenses don’t help matters either. If you're considering a job in their stores, you might want to know how much Safeway cashiers make.

When did Safeway go out of business?

Safeway never went out of business—it was bought by Albertsons in 2014 and still operates today.

Back in the 1980s, Safeway struggled under heavy debt from leveraged buyouts and filed for bankruptcy in 1996. But it bounced back and kept going under different owners. The 2014 Albertsons deal basically saved Safeway and set it up for growth in the long run.

What is another name for Safeway?

Albertsons Companies is the corporate name behind the Safeway brand as of 2026.

Albertsons runs Safeway as part of its massive portfolio of over 20 supermarket brands. The Safeway name still means a lot, especially in the western and southwestern U.S. Shoppers can use Safeway under Albertsons’ umbrella and still tap into shared loyalty programs and digital tools. If you're applying for a position, you might also want to know how long it takes to hear back from Safeway.

Why is the Mormon Church so secretive?

The Mormon Church gets labeled secretive because its temples are off-limits to non-members and it rarely shares financial or internal details.

Temples sit at the heart of Mormon worship, and access is restricted even for many members before dedication. The church also keeps financial statements and governance details mostly private, which fuels speculation. These habits reflect the faith’s emphasis on sacred rituals and privacy, even if other religions are more open.

Do Mormons believe in Jesus?

Yes, Mormons believe Jesus Christ is the central figure of their faith and the son of God.

According to Mormon teachings, Jesus is the firstborn spirit child of God and humanity’s savior. The faith sees God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost as three distinct beings in the Godhead. Mormons see Jesus as both divine and a perfect example to follow, shaping their spiritual lives and salvation.

Can Mormons drink coffee?

No, Mormons avoid coffee, tea, alcohol, and tobacco under the Word of Wisdom health code.

Joseph Smith’s 1833 revelation, the Word of Wisdom, lays out these rules to encourage physical and spiritual health. Even though caffeine isn’t mentioned directly, coffee and tea (including black and green tea) are banned. Many Mormons also steer clear of energy drinks, though personal interpretations differ. The guidelines push moderation and healthy living as acts of faith. If you're exploring business ownership, you might compare this to a business owned by one individual.

Edited and fact-checked by the FixAnswer editorial team.
Ahmed Ali

Ahmed is a finance and business writer covering personal finance, investing, entrepreneurship, and career development.