By MIKE FAHER
A market in Johnstown’s West End won’t be vacant for long.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, a Save-A-Lot grocery will open by month’s end in the North Sheridan Street storefront formerly occupied by Ideal Market.
Westmoreland County businessman Brian Ferraccio announced his plans Friday. Along with his father, Joe, Ferraccio owns six other Save-A-Lot stores in four counties.
“I’m excited,” he said. “Johnstown’s an area I’ve wanted to be in for a long time.”
The neighborhood’s Ideal Market closed at the end of January, with an administrator citing a poor economy and the death of co-owner G. Gregory Mihalick.
Three other Ideal Markets – on Walnut Street in Johnstown, at the Geistown Shopping Center and in Vinco – remain open.
Earlier this week, “Going out of business” signs still hung in the windows of the former Ideal location at 346 N. Sheridan St.
But Ferraccio has leased the space and expects to begin renovations soon.
“It’s a complete remodel,” he said. “It will be a brand-new store inside.”
Save-A-Lot bills itself as “one the nation’s leading extreme value, hard discount grocery chains.” There are nearly 1,200 stores across the country and more than 60 in Pennsylvania.
Ferraccio said he and his father operate two Save-A-Lot stores in Westmoreland County, two in Allegheny County, one in Altoona and one in Somerset.
But he said the West End store will be “special” because it will include amenities such as a full-service deli and bakery, which are not found in many Save-A-Lot stores.
“I thought Johnstown would be a good place to try it,” Ferraccio said.
He added that the North Sheridan location, at 14,500 square feet, also will be larger than the average Save-A-Lot.
Ferraccio expects to hire about 50 people at the store.
“Nearly all of them, if not all of them, will be from the local area,” he said.
Those interested in employment can visit the store next week. Ferraccio said interviews will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday and Thursday.
After a projected opening date of Feb. 28, the West End Save-A-Lot will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Ferraccio said he is looking forward “to providing budget-conscious, value-seeking shoppers with great food at great prices.”
