as of 2018, the chain operates 32 locations. it is notable for its title of "america's first supermarket" as recognized by the smithsonian institution. king kullen meets the criteria of america's first supermarket because it was “the first to fulfill all five criteria that define the modern supermarket: separate departments; self-service; discount pricing; chain marketing; and volume dealing.” the food marketing institute has stated that king kullen “served as the catalyst for a new age in food retailing. the super market institute recognizes that there is dispute regarding which store is america’s first supermarket, but “credits the modern supermarket – ‘the huge self-service, cash-and-carry, one-stop outlet with small markup, large volume, and the all-important parking lot’ – to the great depression and a man named michael cullen.”