A Local Grocery Chain Expands To The Winn Dixie Location Slated For Closure
Jul 15th, 2011
Making A Commitment To Keep A Grocery Store In A Northside Community(Mobile, Al) – Residents in the Toulminville community were upset when a major grocery chain announced the closure of its store on St. Stephens Road, but thanks to a decision by Food For Less, previously Manning’s IGA, the location won’t remain vacant.
Food For Less executives, along with Mobile Mayor Sam Jones and Councilman Fred Richardson announced the expansion of the grocery chain into the old Winn Dixie location. Food For Less, previously Manning’s IGA, is currently operating blocks from the Winn Dixie site.
“We hate to see any local grocer leave a community,” said Food For Less General Manager Kamal Constantine. “Our chain has always been committed to operate in communities that others feel are less profitable to do business in. This community has been for our business, and we are proud to expand our operation to this location.
“Today is a great day for the shoppers in Mobile and Prichard. We have reached an agreement in principle to open a store at this location,” Constantine added. “The Manning family has been a part of this community for a long time. When they saw the opportunity to expand, they did not hesitate, but said :Let’s Do It.”
The Food For Less will double its current 14,000-square-feet store when it moves into the Winn Dixie location, which is over 30,000-square-feet.
“We are so elated that Food For Less stepped up to the plate and expanded its operation to this location,” said Mayor Jones. “This expansion is vital to the community and it shows the commitment of this grocery chain. This is a huge boost for the area and it’s a great fit.
“I’ve known the Manning family most of my life, and this move shows their faith in the community and city,” the mayor added.
Company Profile
• Food For Less, previously Manning’s IGA has been in business for 40 years;
• The grocery chain has eight stores in Mobile, Prichard and throughout Alabama;
• Their motto: “If you want to pay less, shop Food For Less.”
Richardson, who represents the Toulminville area said, “The announcement today speaks volumes to the faith this grocery chain has to our area. This is a great commercial business area, and I am certain the community will embrace the expansion of this store.”
According to Constantine, the current employees of Winn Dixie, will have the first opportunity to interview for the Food For Less chain.
“In the end, everyone involved in this project, will work together to ensure a smooth transition for Food For Less and the shoppers in Mobile and surrounding areas,” Constantine said.
Richard Ogburn, vice president of the Head Companies/Property Manager for the St. Stephens Square Shopping Center, said, “This is the second opportunity we have had to work with the Manning Family. The owners of the shopping center and I are proud to have Food for Less as a tenant. They have proven themselves to be good operators and are committed to the communities they operate in.”