The Henderson Food Mart was packed with people last Saturday as approximately 350 people stopped by the store’s open house to celebrate the successful months of its reopening, taste samples, register to win prizes, and see changes that have been made to the store.
Customers have witnessed many positive changes that the store has made. Â At first sight, a new black awning welcomes shoppers. Â Along with that, the grocery store has also recently created a new logo.
As you turn right upon entering the store, a new convenience area displays bottled drinks, fountain pop machines, a cappuccino machine, donuts, pizza slices, and grab-and-go snacks. Â Refillable cups are also available for purchase to receive discounted pop refills.
Next, new coolers with doors encase the produce more efficiently and safely. Â At the end of that aisle, two sets of booths were installed as a place for customers to eat.
When rounding the next corner to the east, it doesn’t take long for the smell of baking pizza to hit as the back of the store is now home to Hunt’s Brothers Pizza.  Slices of pizza are put out at the convenience counter at breakfast and lunch, and whole pizzas are available for ordering in the evening.  Whole pizzas are available at lunch, however, with a sizeable order and knowledge ahead of time.
The grocery store also has many new products such as Stacy Lynn’s baked goods, new greeting cards, and gluten-free section near the checkouts.  Also, if there are any products that customers would like to see, they are encouraged to talk to a manager about it.
Stannette Spickelmier, the store’s manager, says that business has been really good. The staff has stayed very busy ever since the store reopened in December.  Due to a change in the layout and products, it seems as though many people are rediscovering the store. Several shoppers have commented about the variety of products now offered.  There is also a new face, Stephan Haynes, who recently started working at the store as an assistant manager.
To celebrate all of this, the store held an open house last Saturday, June 15, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Â Many prizes were given away including a bike that was won by Joshua Caldwell.
After the grocery store was closed for a few weeks last year during the change in ownership, many residents realized the importance and convenience of having a local grocery store.  It is also hard for some to travel that far for groceries, so there seems to be a renewed sense in supporting the town’s grocery store.
The Food Mart is thankful for the support and business they have received and would like to encourage people to keep shopping at their local grocery store.
Photos courtesy of Henderson Food Mart and Tammy Ott
