Leon’s Thriftway, purchased orginally as Leon's United Super grocery store, came into existance in July of 1968. This family owned business sits in the heart of Kansas City. This supermarket was purchased by Leon and Willosia Stapleton as United Super. In September of 1993 the business joined with the Piggly Wiggly organization, and in August of 1999 it joined the Independent Grocers Association (IGA). In March of 2001 it became what is now known as Leon’s Thriftway.

Leon’s Thriftway was then and remains the only black owned supermarket in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. Throughout the years that they were in business, all of seven of the Stapleton children, their children, other relatives and a host of neighborhood youth have worked in the store.