Fareway Stores breaks ground on new location in Iowa

Iowa-based Fareway Stores Inc. is continuing to expand its Midwest hometown grocery store count.

The grocery retailer on Thursday broke ground for a 10,600-square-foot grocery store in the small rural town of Hull in northwest Iowa.

“Communities depend on a local grocer to offer high-quality products and unmatched service,” said Fareway CEO Reynolds W. Cramer in a statement. “We look forward to serving area residents of Hull and want to thank city staff and community leaders for helping make this project possible.”

Fareway said work on the site, located at the southwest corner of Highway 18 and Division Street, is set to begin, with construction expected to be completed in early 2024. New store features will include a full-service butcher counter, farm-fresh produce and to-your-car carryout.

City officials also welcomed the highly anticipated new addition to the town.

“Our residents have been waiting for a local grocery store committed to great customer service and our small-town values,” said Hull Mayor Arlan Moss in a statement.

An 85-year-old grocery retailer known for its commitment to rural areas, Fareway is also planning a new store relocation in Spirit Lake, Iowa. Construction for the location is scheduled to begin in spring 2024.

Related:Fareway Meat Market now open in Kansas City

Fareway also is moving its corporate headquarters from Boone to Johnston, which is located just north of Iowa’s capital city of Des Moines. Boone Mayor John Slight last month said the city is "disappointed" but understanding of Fareway's decision to relocate about 35 miles south.  

A family-owned business, Fareway operates more than 139 stores and has over 12,000 employees.