Russ’s Market combining in east Lincoln

Posted By: Veronica Ortega

vortega@klkntv.com

Changes are in store for two Russ’s Markets in east Lincoln. Construction workers are hard at work trying to complete renovations to the location near 66th and O Streets. Which will nearly double in size when it’s complete.

However with the expansion the store near 70th and Van Dorn will close at the end of January. Some customers say it will be sad to see it go.

"As long as I can remember we’ve been coming to Russ’s, this one specifically, you know to get Christmas ham and Thanksgiving turkey and all that stuff. So to see something like this close it is actually kind of sad," says Trey Pringle. 

The store at 66th and O is open during construction. They’re adding a new cafe, service meat counter, larger produce, bakery, and deli departments. A new fuel center was just added and it’s ready to fill gas tanks for customers.

"We know it’s an inconvenience for customers that are near 70th and Van Dorn, but with our expanded store here and our store at 33rd and Highway 2, we hope that most of them will continue to shop with us at our other locations," says Market Director of B&R Stores, Marty Jarvis.

They say when it’s finished the store will feature a drive-thru pharmacy and fresh sushi made daily. While many people are excited about all of the added services, Trey Pringle says he probably won’t be visiting.

"I can imagine that all people that would be going here are now going there, plus O Street traffic in rush hour has to bring, it’s just a lot of extra work,"says Trey Pringle.  

Company officials say all of the employees at the closing store have been offered jobs at other locations.

The renovated store is scheduled to be complete by the end of summer next year. Russ’s Market officials say they’re always looking for new opportunities to expand and they’re hoping to get back into southeast Lincoln in the future.