Frattallone’s Ace Hardware Joins CNRG

Larry Frattallone, the owner of Frattallone’s Ace Hardware in Arden Hills, Minnesota, and his two sons, Tom and Mike Frattallone, have decided to sell their company and operating assets to Central Network Retail Group, LLC (CNRG), a multi-format, multi-brand retailer based in Collierville, Tennessee.

Following the closing of Frattallone’s on November 19, CNRG will own and operate 139 hardware stores, home centers, and lumberyards throughout 16 states.

“Our family is excited to be partnering with an industry-leading retailer like CNRG,” Larry Frattallone said in a prepared statement.

“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 Hardware & Garden, which has 22 stores, will be CNRG’s 18th brand. Larry Frattallone founded the company in 1975, when he launched his first store in Arden Hills, a St. Paul suburb.

Their most recent location, in Little Canada, Minnesota, opened in January 2021.

The brand is well-known in the Twin Cities for its extensive selection of hardware, paint, plumbing, electrical, and lawn and garden products.

Frattallone’s also has the area’s largest small engine repair shop, fixing thousands of pieces of equipment each year.

“We are thrilled about the opportunity to work with the Frattallones,” said President of the CNRG, John Sieggreen.

“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.”

At the conclusion of the deal, Mike and Tom Frattallone will join the CNRG team and will each play major leadership positions for both the local Frattallone’s brand and CNRG.

Frattallone’s day-to-day operations manager, Mike Frattallone, commented, “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.”

At Frattallone’s, Tom Frattallone is in charge of supply chain management.

He pointed out, “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.”