With fanfare and long lines of shoppers, Schoharie County’s newest supermarket opened Friday.
The Valley Market on Route 30 in Middleburgh is the first grocery in the Schoharie Valley since Irene closed the Grand Union, which still stands empty right across from the new store.
Officials from all levels were on hand for the 2:15 ceremony, and so were developers Jim Becker and Carver Laraway and store operators Jim and Geanine Eisel.
“It’s been quite the ride,” said Mr. Becker, who with his brother Jason and Mr. Laraway, are building Middleburgh Meadows, where the Valley Market stands.
He praised Mr. Laraway for his vision and determination, and Senator Jim Seward echoed that theme, saying many were responsible for the new market.
“So many people worked shoulder to shoulder to move our area forward,” Senator Seward said. “You can see it here today.”
Valley Market, he added, is a huge improvement for the area, “and you could not have picked better operators than the Eisels.”
Congressman John Faso pointed to many in the crowd who helped and then said, “Get your wallets out, get shopping cards, and buy a lot of groceries.”
The store is in Ms. Eisel’s name, and both she and her husband will run the market. It’s their second; they operate a supermarket in Prattsville.
Ms. Eisel thanked Mr. Laraway and added, laughing, “We weren’t your first choice, but we’re your best choice.”
To cheers, Ms. Eisel acknowledged the strong support they received from Middleburgh.
“We’re honored to be part of this community,” she said.
Mr. Eisel vowed that the Valley Market will stress customer service––as does their market in Prattsville.
“We’re here to help you,” he said.
Mr. Laraway also touched on widespread support developers received and noted the project couldn’t have been completed without that support.
“We get it done in Middleburgh,” Mr. Laraway said. “We enjoy being part of the Middleburgh team.”
Ms. Eisel said the Valley Market has 42 employees; five are full-time.
The store is 16,000 square feet and has full produce and meat departments, along with dairy, bakery, deli and frozen food sections.