After two years of planning and construction, the Lakewood Minyard’s store held its grand re-opening Aug. 23.
And the store’s neighbors couldn’t be happier.
“Without a doubt, the renovation has beautified Lakewood and with the expanded store made shopping nicer,” says John Miller of the Lakewood Homeowners Association.
“The general upgrading of the interior, with the extensive landscaping and antique light poles by the sidewalk, has improved Lakewood.”
Minyard’s president J.L. Williams says he expects the renovation to increase the store’s sales by 20 percent. That’s one reason why Minyard’s spent a sum he described as one of the biggest in company history to remodel and expand the store. Previous reports put the amount at about $1 million, but Williams declined to be specific.
The other reason for the high-dollar renovation is that Minyard’s wants to be a good neighbor, Williams says.
“Lakewood is a good area with good volume, and it will be for years to come,” Williams says. “We want to put money back into the neighborhood.”
The expanded store is 17,400 square feet larger, increasing its square footage by more than half and allowing many departments and services to be added. The store features a service meat market and seafood counter, bakery, video department, floral department, salad bar and a customer service center.
The deli department is an island style, located in a new area of the sales floor providing a small sit-down area for customers. Moose Brother’s pizza and Blue Bell ice cream is also available to eat in or take out. More checkout stands have been added, and a pharmacy with prescription delivery is available.
Minyard’s also has increased the lighting in the parking lot.
“We wanted it to be a well-lit area where customers could shop there comfortably and safely at night,” says Minyard’s spokesman Angie Drake.
