Tops invests $2 million in Grand Island store

Sat, Mar 16th 2024 07:00 am

Tops Press Release

Photos by Alice Gerard

Tops Friendly Markets announced the grand reopening of its 57,000-square-feet Grand Island store at 2140 Grand Island Blvd.

A recent renovation, totaling $2 million in enhancements, welcomes residents into a warm, engaging environment. Located in the heart of the Island, this location has been a staple of Grand Island for nearly 50 years.

The store held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday and presented donations to community nonprofit organizations.

Inside Tops, customers will find new, enhanced services, an expanded assortment of products, and an enlarged fresh perimeter with new updated décor.

“This considerable investment will offer customers a renewed shopping experience starting with our friendly and knowledgeable associates, expanded amenities, and wide variety of high-quality local, national, and own brands all at a great value,” said Ron Ferri, president of Tops Friendly Markets. “We’re excited to officially reopen this location signifying our continued commitment to the Grand Island community.”

Shoppers in Grand Island will see interior and exterior paint with improved awnings and landscaping, energy-efficient equipment and LED lighting both inside and out, plus solar-powered efficiencies, expanded state-of-the-art self-checkouts, renovated restrooms, and informational digital screens.

Tops officials prepare to cut the ribbon.

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In addition, this store has an abundance of conveniences – some of which have been added during this remodel:

√ A refurbished onsite Citizen’s Bank;

√ A pharmacy, that has a new, safer and more convenient waiting area that provides a wide variety of services including complex specialty prescriptions, immunizations, the Department of Motor Vehicles vision test, and the new COVID-19 booster for those ages 65-plus;

√ A fuel station where shoppers can get the lowest price in town with Tops GasPoints;

√ An innovative Flashfood program that strives to eliminate food waste by connecting consumers with discounted food nearing its best-by date, saving people up to 60% off their purchase;

√ A time-saving Shop + Scan app where one can use their phone to scan and bag items as they shop to expedite the check-out; and

√ Fast, online ordering with Tops grocery pickup, delivery and catering services.

To see more of these renovations, visit the store, or see its Facebook (@TopsFriendlyMarkets) page and website, at https://www.topsmarkets.com/GrandOpening/.

“At Tops, we constantly evaluate the best ways to serve our customers and reinvest into our communities,” said. Jon Douglas, district manager. “These latest enhancements will help make life a little easier for shoppers by focusing on a strong combination of convenience, selection, quality and low prices every day.”

A press release noted that, “In addition to the excellent quality and affordability, Tops has expanded its selection of fresh produce, complete with items of the season including fresh-cut veggies, fruit and trays, carefully selected, washed, cut and prepared for quick and easy, ready-to-serve convenience,” highlighting “Tops’ commitment to fresh.”

Tops partners with more than 500 local produce and dairy farmers including Breezy Hill Dairy, Orleans Poverty Hills Farms, and Chafee Farms, among several other partners in Erie County.

The press release added, “At Tops, we’re a proud supporter of product grown by New York state farmers who adhere to the New York State Grown and Certified program’s requirements, which includes verification of safe food handling practices and participation in environmental sustainability programs.

“From rolled sushi made fresh daily to a full-service deli that offers the finest meats and cheeses, this expanded assortment ranges from local and national brands including premium selections from Boar’s Head. Families will love our expanded selection of grab and go meals, including our famous fish frys, freshly made salads, award-winning fried chicken, signature subs, breakfast pizza and so much more – all fresh and ready for you.

“Tops’ newly expanded bakery offers an assortment of freshly baked breads, pastries, specialty cakes and doughnuts, fresh fried daily, along with gluten-free items from Vin-Chet’s, a local Western New York bakery.

“Throughout the store, shoppers will also discover a full-service seafood and meat department where our certified butchers hand-cut fresh, high-quality USDA Choice beef and pork in store daily. You’ll also find an increase of antibiotic-free meat, sustainable seafood selections, and plant-based options, along with a larger selection of certified organic and gluten-free offerings that are fully integrated in aisle.”

Tops presented the Erie County Sheriff’s Office with $1,000 in gift cards. ECSO, in turn, gave the donation to the Family Justice Center.

FJC Community Outreach Manager Kelly Gast said, “We are so grateful that Sheriff Garcia and his team are allies of the FJC and recognize the critical services we are able to provide to domestic violence victims.”

She added, "We appreciate the support of the sheriff and his staff, who are working together with us toward a common goal: connecting as many victims of abuse to life-saving help and resources that can ultimately end vicious cycles of abuse and need for law enforcement. Sheriff Garcia has been steadfast in this mission with us.

"Turning over this donation couldn't have come at a better time. Providing gift cards is a crucial service we offer our clients who often have limited financial means or access to food for themselves and their children. Our supply had just run out. Tops also happens to be a community store accessible to many of our clients. We can put these cards directly in the hands of those most in need, and gift cards provide a sense of autonomy for clients at a critical time in their lives."

Based in Williamsville, Tops Markets currently operates 148 grocery stores in New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, including five that are run by franchisees. The company employs more than 14,000 associates. For more information, visit www.topsmarkets.com.

Photos by Alice Gerard

Grand Tops Store Manager Mike Maio presents a $1,000 donation to the Grand Island Lions Club.

Maio presents a $1,000 donation to the Erie County Sheriff's Department, which is being donated to the Family Justice Center’s Grand Island Satellite.