Food City Breaks Ground in Hampton Cove for First of Six Upcoming Locations

It was 10:00 am on Wednesday, July 12th, that a crowd gathered in Hampton Cove to celebrate Huntsville’s upcoming grocery store. Crews braved the blistering sun to break ground on the city’s first of six Food City locations on Taylor Lane right off of U.S. Highway 431. 

After an agreement was made earlier this year, the growing business is investing $90 million across the city and will add 1,300 permanent jobs for its residents. 

The first three locations include sites in Hampton Cove, on North Memorial Parkway and U.S. 72 East and will allow its customers a variety of options when it comes to how they shop for groceries. 

Each location will come fully equipped with a full-service bakery, deli and café; a Starbucks, custom seafood and meat markets; a full-service pharmacy with drive-thru, a credit union and gas station.

Customers can shop inside via regular and self checkout stations along with an option to check out online before picking up their groceries at the store. Additionally, Food City will be partnered with Instacart and Door-Dash to allow for home delivery. 

Food City President, Steve Smith, addressed the crowd before the ceremony and expressed his excitement for joining the community. 

“We believe investing in the community and giving back to the community is part of what our company was built on. My dad believed that a grocery store should be a gathering place for people,” Smith explained. 

He also pointed out that every location will be eco-friendly with LED lighting and various modern energy savings. The stores being opened today have just 50% of the energy footprint compared to stores built 10 years ago. 

Huntsville/Madison County Chamber President Chip Cherry and Mayor Tommy Battle were also on hand to show support from the city. 

 “It’s so exciting to have a family owned business with a great history,” said Cherry.   “It’s a wonderful story about Food City and Steve, you and your team have done an amazing job. So it’s, it’s one of those things, as you’ll probably hear the mayor and the chairman reflect on,  We’re always looking for that great partner. And you guys are gonna be that great partner for our community.”

Phase II locations will be on Governors Drive, Alabama 53 and County Line Road. All Food City locations will also offer additional retail space.