The Star Emporium Downtown General Store, 17 S. Main,  a new grocery store offering specialty and private label products, will open on January 18 at 7:30 a.m., according to Bill Michaud with BAJA Investments.

 

Michaud is the owner of the business.

 

“One week is left before we introduce ourselves to the public,” Michaud said.  “We’re excited too, although it’s tough to tell because we’re all growing tired due to the long hours and many tasks that we see still between us and being ready to open.”

 

The hours of the store will be 7:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.   Monday through Saturday,  on  Sunday hours are from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

 

 

“We are going to try to carry as many products as feasible to give shoppers as much variety as we can,” Michaud said.

 

 

“We are going to open with about 2/3 as many items as we expect to have down the road,” he said. “We will grow our offering in the next several months to meet the needs of our regular customers.”

 

The store will feature a salad bar and deli that utilizes many fresh local ingredients, he said.

 

“The salad bar and deli will also open on the 18th,” he said.  “The deli will offer build-your-own deli sandwiches with our unique selection of deli meats and cheeses and a variety of bread alternatives. The salad bar will have about 30 salad topping and ingredient options including signature house ranch and vinaigrette dressings.”

 

 

Currently, the store has 62 feet of freezer space, a basic selection of dairy and cheese items,  produce, along with both fresh and frozen meats,” Michaud said.

 

 

 

The store general manager is Travis Patrick. He said 10 employees are needed and eight have been hired currently.

 

 

The phone number of the store is (620) 644-4414.  For more information see its’ Facebook page.

 

BAJA Investments was granted SPARK funds in the amount of $450,000 for the project. SPARK grants were a part of the monies given Kansas from the federal government to help with the on-going effects of COVID-19.