The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
LUCKY’S MARKET MAKES PROGRESS
Garden Club members hear update on the store's plans from its owners
“If we learned anything from (our grandfather) it’s about customer service. We take the greatest pride in that top-notch customer service.”
— David Saltzman, ownership family member
Rousing applause greeted Lucky’s Market representatives at a Concord Garden Club meeting on April 14 at the Concord Community Center. The enthusiastic reception reflected community members’ appreciation for the new grocery store set to open in July in Gristmill Village. The closure of Reider’s more than three years ago left many residents hungry for a nearby, convenient place to shop. After the meeting’s initial garden-related presentation by Bill Hendricks of Klyn Nurseries, township Trustee Carl Dondorfer introduced Aaron and David Saltzman. The brothers are members of the ownership family of Lucky’s Markets and Dave’s Markets. “Are we happy to see you!” exclaimed garden club member Carol Stoops. Lucky’s will be a onestop type of shopping experience, according to Aaron Saltzman who noted that national brands will be offered along with many organic and specialty items. Produce, meat and a deli carrying premium Boar’s Head products will be among departments lining the perimeter of the store. Additional areas will offer a large array of beer and wine, flowers, hot and cold
made-to-order sandwiches, fresh salads, sushi and more. “An extensive amount of food is made in-house,” Aaron Saltzman said. During the meeting, garden club member Jeanette DelBane said she was happy to learn that her coffee of choice would be available in a beverage section set to be stocked with ground varieties as well as whole beans. In the past DelBane, who formerly served as the club’s president for several years, had to travel outside of the township to acquire the special brew. An in-store bakery will regularly feature baked goods produced by local establishments. Partnering with the community is an important part of the Lucky’s concept, according to the Saltzmans. Vitamins, supplements, soaps, candles and more will fill an apothecary section staffed with a team member to assist customers. “If we learned anything from (our grandfather) it’s about customer service. We take the greatest pride in that top-notch customer service,” David Saltzman said. The brothers emphasized that the store plans to offer experiences over and above standard shopping trips. For example, once restrictions from the pandemic are lifted they hope to feature a “sip and shop” opportunity where customers can enjoy a beverage while perusing aisles filled with goods. Remodeling and construction currently taking place will add more sales floor space within the 35,800-squarefoot store, and new signage and colors are part of the “exciting components” that will greet customers, the Saltzmans said. Approximately 80 to 100 people will be needed to staff the store, and hiring is planned to begin in early June. The Saltzmans credited township Administrator Andy Rose and the trustees for being “incredibly supportive” in assisting with Lucky’s move to the township. At the conclusion of the presentation Dondorfer told the group that he was impressed with the Lucky’s store that he visited in Cleveland. “It’s not like chain grocery shopping. It’s a unique experience,” he said. Road work is scheduled to take place in order to accommodate additional traffic. “Crile Road will be widened and resurfaced in order to have a turn lane that runs from Auburn Road all the way down to Girdled Road,” Rose noted in a recent email. “This is a Lake County Engineer’s project. The turn lane will better accommodate traffic and avoid delays for those wishing to turn left into our retail centers and establishments along Crile. “The work is expected to commence this spring and the project should last about 12 weeks.” Dondorfer noted an ice cream shop and car wash are also planned to open in the Gristmill Village area.