The new and improved Salyersville IGA is now open for business! The full service grocery store located in Magoffin County moved to an expanded storefront that is double the size, opening in March 2019.
Along with the expansion, the store completed major upgrades in order to bring in a greater diversity of products for the community – especially produce variety, and foods for specialty diets. The produce section is nearly six times bigger– their bagged salad section alone went from 6 feet to 12 feet!
Cox Foods, based in Hindman, owns this store along with 9 others throughout Eastern Kentucky. Martin Cox, a third generation grocer, along with Jed Wienberg of Knott County own the company. With the expansion and updates to better serve their customers, they expect business to grow and are adding approximately 20 jobs to Salyersville.
General Manager Jeff Lutes has been operating grocery stores for over 30 years, and said the store is likely the most technologically advanced in Eastern Kentucky with its energy efficient store design, including modern refrigeration systems and equipment.
“Overall we are just so happy to be able to provide foods for specialty diets, like gluten-free, and healthier options. We are offering around 75-100 more products in our produce department alone,” Jeff said. “Previously, people had to go to Paintsville, Prestonsburg, and even Lexington, for these items.”
Mountain Association provided affordable financing for the major upgrades of their heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems, and deli equipment.
“Ready access to healthy food can be a challenge in our communities.” Peter Hille, Mountain Association President, said. “Cox Foods has shown real leadership in this region and we are proud to be a financial partner in this new store. We applaud their vision in using state of the art energy efficient equipment that will help keep food fresh, costs down and customers comfortable.”