Annandale’s sprawling new supermarket is almost complete and it’s tentatively set to open Wednesday, Nov. 5, says Marketplace president Bob Marohn. “It won’t be before that,” he said. “That would be the earliest possible date it could be.” The 44,000-square-foot building on the north side of Highway 55 east of the AmericInn Hotel will replace the existing store at Excelsior Avenue and the highway. Construction began the week of Nov. 11 last year when workers poured concrete footings. Only interior work like shelving, doors and sinks remains to be done, Marohn said. The building also needs a sign. That’s been on hold because people might think the store was open if a sign went up. The store was supposed to be open sooner but equipment hasn’t been coming in as quickly as it should, Marohn said. When it does open, the supermarket will be nearly three times larger than the existing 15,000-square-foot store. Customers will be served by six checkout lanes, compared to four in the present store, as well as cashiers at the service counter and the deli. The new store will have a much bigger deli-style restaurant and bakery, he said. More employees have been hired to staff the larger store and more will be added before opening and in the spring when seasonal residents return to the area. The new Marketplace will continue to open at 8 a.m. and close at 10 p.m., Marohn said. The hours might change in the spring to a 7 a.m. opening and 11 p.m. closing. A grand opening celebration will be held probably in January, he said.
