An old Monroe County eyesore has become a thing of the past.
What used to be the abandoned truck stop in Bartonsville has officially opened as a new Giant Food store.
"I think it is awesome. I have lived here for 27 years and we've never had a grocery store in Bartonsville," said Lisa Digenova.
For many of the hundreds packing into the store after the grand opening it's a stark difference from what the place used to look like.
It was an old, run-down truck stop.
"It was very run down. It was an eyesore," said Debra Nilio of Bartonsville. "It wasn't really exciting. This is exciting."
However local lawmakers said the transformation from truck stop to shopping center came with challenges.
"There were a lot of obstacles to overcome. Back a few years ago I was able to secure $3 million for ramp improvements to the Bartonsville exit," said Representative John Siptroth.
That was a construction project that officials said was essential to get make the project happen.
The nearly 75,000 square foot supermarket will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and so far has hired up to 280 employees.
"This is fantastic for this area and the economic times that we are in. We're glad that as Giant we can play a part and help stimulate the economy," said Tim Weighknecht, Giant Foods store manager.
The new store is just the beginning. A Giant gas station is also opening as well as other store-fronts ready for businesses to occupy.
What used to be the abandoned truck stop in Bartonsville has officially opened as a new Giant Food store.
"I think it is awesome. I have lived here for 27 years and we've never had a grocery store in Bartonsville," said Lisa Digenova.
For many of the hundreds packing into the store after the grand opening it's a stark difference from what the place used to look like.
It was an old, run-down truck stop.
"It was very run down. It was an eyesore," said Debra Nilio of Bartonsville. "It wasn't really exciting. This is exciting."
However local lawmakers said the transformation from truck stop to shopping center came with challenges.
"There were a lot of obstacles to overcome. Back a few years ago I was able to secure $3 million for ramp improvements to the Bartonsville exit," said Representative John Siptroth.
That was a construction project that officials said was essential to get make the project happen.
The nearly 75,000 square foot supermarket will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and so far has hired up to 280 employees.
"This is fantastic for this area and the economic times that we are in. We're glad that as Giant we can play a part and help stimulate the economy," said Tim Weighknecht, Giant Foods store manager.
The new store is just the beginning. A Giant gas station is also opening as well as other store-fronts ready for businesses to occupy.
