Ruddick Corporation is a holding company that operates through its two wholly owned subsidiaries: Harris Teeter, Inc. (Harris Teeter) and American & Efird, Inc. (A&E). Harris Teeter operates a regional chain of supermarkets in seven southeastern states. As of September 30, 2007, Harris Teeter operated 164 supermarkets located in North Carolina (123), Virginia (26), South Carolina (nine), Tennessee (three), Georgia (one), Florida (one) and Maryland (one). A&E manufactures and distributes industrial sewing thread, embroidery thread and technical textiles on a global basis.