The long-awaited Jefferson Hy-Vee store opened Tuesday at 6 am with less than a handful of customers outside but dozens of smiles and high fives inside.
Steve White of Churdan and Ray Walzer of Jefferson were the first through the door and they were headed not for groceries, but for breakfast at the Market Café. White explained that he has done road construction all over the state, and that he and his co-workers eat at the Hy-Vee restaurants often.
Joyce Kurth of Jefferson was the first shopping customer. She’s being greeted by store manager Lori Subbert (left), while stock clerk Linda Soriano shows her a store directory.
Perhaps it was the time of day and cold temperatures that kept a crowd from gathering early. By 6:20, the Market Café was busy.
Some area residents had already been in the store as part of various training events for store staff, but Tuesday morning was the first time to see the fresh produce displays. Produce manager Kirk Russell (pictured) is among several Jefferson residents who are no longer leaving Jefferson for employment. He is the expert on chayot squash, passion fruit, rambutan, Jack fruit, Kwanos melons, dragon fruit and more. He is sharing a sample rambutan with customer Lori Campbell (right) of Jefferson.
Although there had been rumors of Hy-Vee building a store in Jefferson for several years, the company announced its plans to the city council in March 2013. Construction was anticipated to be start that fall. The project was delayed an entire year, with the first dirt being moved in late August. In mid-September, project superintendent Dave O’Neal named Feb. 24, 2015 as the opening date, and the store opened on schedule.
The 2013 announcement stated the store would have between 40 and 45 fulltime employees and 100-120 part-time employees. As of last week, the store has 59 fulltime employees and 178 part-time employees.
