Exciting Times Ahead for Athens as Food City Plans New Location!

Exciting Times Ahead for Athens as Food City Plans New Location!

Hey there, Athens! It looks like your city is about to get a whole lot more bustling! Food City, a popular grocery chain operating across five states, has announced plans to bring not just one, but *six* locations to the Huntsville area, with the first new store targeted for right here in Athens! This news comes as a breath of fresh air for residents who have long been asking for more commercial development in their part of town.

Where Will It Be?

So, where can you find this shiny new supermarket? The store will be located at the *corners of Elm and Lucas Ferry Street*, making it easily accessible for all of you shoppers out there. Who doesn’t love a quick grocery run right in their neighborhood?

A Big Investment

Hold onto your groceries—this isn’t just any store! Food City is investing a whopping *$19.5 million* into this project, and it’s set to create around *200 jobs* for the community. That’s not only good news for job seekers but also a boost for the local economy! While the store’s opening date hasn’t been officially announced yet, the city is buzzing with anticipation.

Financial Expectations

According to city officials, the new Food City store is expected to generate about *$23 million in annual sales*! Mayor Ronnie Marks has pointed out that many residents in west Athens have been urging for more commercial options, especially since most of the recent growth has centered on the east side of the city, mainly along major routes like *U.S. 31* and *Interstate 65*.

Community Growth and Support

“This project presented us with the opportunity to address a need in that part of our city and grow our sales tax base,” Mayor Marks said. He emphasized that more than 40% of the city’s budget comes from sales tax revenue, and it’s crucial to increase that base to fund important services. That means more *emergency responders, garbage trucks, paving projects,* and enhanced outdoor recreation opportunities for everyone! Sounds like a win-win situation!

Incentives in Place

To sweeten the deal, the city council has approved a *$2.4 million incentive* for Food City. Under this agreement, Athens will collect the annual sales tax generated by the store and reimburse a percentage of it each year for a decade, or until that $2.4 million is paid back. It’s a smart move that shows just how committed the city is to supporting local business while fostering economic growth.

Road Improvements Incoming

But that’s not all! Athens is also planning to make some *road improvements* around the area of the store. This means not only will you have a fantastic new grocery option, but also better roads to get there. Talk about adding convenience!

Food City’s Growing Presence

The excitement doesn’t stop here—Food City is on a roll! They’re also gearing up to build six new stores in *Huntsville* alone. This grocery store chain operates around *150 retail outlets* in five states including *Kentucky, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia,* and *Alabama* and they’re clearly eager to extend their reach to even more communities.

Community Anticipation

While an official opening date is still in the works, residents are hopeful and excited about the impending developments. One thing’s for sure: Athens is in for some fun changes that are sure to make life just a little bit sweeter.

So keep your eyes peeled and your shopping carts at the ready – Athens is about to become an even more vibrant place to live and shop! Who’s ready for a new grocery adventure?