Store manager James Waggoner is at the helm to welcome the first customers. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Angela Brown

Support for economy

Battleford welcomes Discovery Co-op grocery store

May 16, 2019 | 12:34 PM

There’s a new place for Battleford residents to do their grocery shopping.

Discovery Co-op Battleford Food Store opened its doors for the first time to customers at 9 a.m., Thursday.

Delores Porter was one of the first customers to arrive.

“I’m going to love it,” she said on seeing the new store, adding she only lives a few houses away so it will be convenient. “I think it will be very nice.”

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The Co-op store is situated at the location of the former Super A Foods which closed last year.

The Co-op completely rejuvenated the site at 22nd Street which now features a food store and a full-service pharmacy.

The store held a community barbecue outside from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday with proceeds to benefit the Battleford volunteer fire department.

Store manager James Waggoner said he is proud to open the Co-op in town.

“I’m really excited,” he said. “I think everyone in Battleford is excited too. It’s been a long process.”

Waggoner said he is glad to be able to fill a need in the community too, so Battleford residents can do their grocery shopping locally.

“It’s going to be good for Battleford residents; they are not going to have to cross the bridge to get the few things they need or do their full shop,” he said. “We have everything you need here. It will be handy for everyone in Battleford.”

The 10,500 square foot store has about 20 staff. Its bakery offers daily bread and the store can deliver, too.

The pharmacy team: Left to right, Sarah Haegebaert, Garth Walls (manager), and Cara Sogz are shown at the Discovery Co-op pharmacy in Battleford, Thursday. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Battleford Mayor Ames Leslie who visited the store for the opening said he is thrilled to see the Co-op finally here in town.

“It’s been a long time coming. I think that the people of Battleford deserve to have a grocery store. And there is no better partner than the Co-op. The Co-op is all about communities. We look forward to what the town, the people of the town and the Co-op can do to make our community better.”

Discovery Co-op is planning a big grand opening celebration on August 9, the same day when the town parade is scheduled to take place.

The store hours are Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays and statutory holidays 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW