SCHNUCKS ANNOUNCES STORE EXPANSION

Schnucks Supercenter in Cape Girardeau is about to become the largest food and drug store in Southeast Missouri.

With construction work already in progress on one side of a parking lot to the south of the 55,000-square foot Schnucks store, 119 S. Kingshighway, a group tossed out shovelfuls of dirt at the other end to officially start the expansion and remodeling project.

The project will add more than 12,000 square feet to create some new departments and expand existing departments of the store.

Taking part in the groundbreaking were Schnuck Markets Inc. president and chief operating officer Scott C. Schnuck, local store manager Dennis Marchi, Schnucks director of facilities engineer Ross Hutsel, Mayor Al Spradling III and Chamber of Commerce president John Mehner.

Schnuck was in Cape Girardeau to reveal plans for the new-look store.

A group of more than 200 Cape Girardeau area business people were in attendance at the ceremony, held under a large tent south of the store. Among the crowd was the first Schnucks manager here, Bill Hammett.

"This a great day for Schnucks," said Schnuck. "Earlier today, we had a grand opening for the 94th store in the group at Arnold, Mo. And this afternoon we're breaking ground for an expanded Cape Girardeau supercenter."

The store here will include a pharmacy drive-through at the south end, only the third in the Schnucks chain.

"The remodeled store will introduce features that respond to changing customer lifestyles requiring convenient, ready-made food items that include a gourmet dine-in area," said Schnuck. Also available will be "Made in Minutes" meals for takeout.

The store also will include an expanded fresh-produce department, expanded deli, bakery, meat and seafood departments.

The store will be "redone" both inside and out, said Schnuck.

The front of the store will feature a new and enlarged facade.

"We're excited about the remodeling," said Marchi, who has been manager here since 1985. "Two weeks ago I parachuted from a plane with the Golden Knights. I thought that was my most exciting moment, but the news of this expansion is more awesome."

Marchi introduced 14 Schnucks employees who have been with the store since it opened in 1976.

The store here employs 225 people. "That number will go up some," said Marchi.

The improvements also will mean employment for 35 to 40 construction workers during the expansion. Kiefner Brothers Construction Co., which was involved in the store's original construction, will serve as general contractor. Schnucks urged the use of local labor.

The reopening date was not mentioned, but it could be by early summer of next year.

"We want it to be as soon as possible," said Schnuck.

At a glance

* 12,000 square feet will be added to the south of the 55,000-square-foot store.

* A pharmacy drive-through will be included.

* The front of the store will feature a new and enlarged facade.

* Target for completion is next summer.