The Tops Market in the Town of Lockport celebrated its grand reopening on Tuesday following a series of renovations.
The four-month wait was worth it, said Mike Olka, who has been the store manager at the 5827 South Transit Road location for four years. The renovation, which cost about $4 million, is the largest investment into a single store since Tops began its capital improvement projects five years ago.
The grocery store brought in 70 people, including representatives from the Town of Lockport: Supervisor Mark Crocker and council members Darleen DiCarlo and Paul Siejak. Representatives from Tops corporate were also there, and the event featured the Starpoint chorus providing music and song.
Siejak spoke after the event, saying it was “fantastic.”
“Tops first came to the Town of Lockport in 1964. They’ve been a part of our community for the past 60 years,” he said. “We’re grateful to them, what they do for our community, especially all they do for our non-profit organizations.”
The event also featured $1,000 checks to many organizations, including the Kenan Center, Lockport CARES, Lockport City School District, the Newfane Community Food Pantry, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office, Niagara County Hospice, St. Helen’s Food Pantry, South Lockport Fire Co., Starpoint Central School District and VFW Post 2535.
Lockport School Superintendent Mathis Calvin III said that the donation to the district will go to Family and Consumer classes at Aaron Mossell Junior High. Because of the donation, the classes will have fresh produce and groceries as they learn about cooking and nutrition.
Calvin also noted that Tops provides special education students with internships and that two employees at the Lockport Tops come from that program.
“We are so thankful for the years of partnership with Lockport Tops,” he said. “They have continually supported our school district, students and families, and we are thankful for the donations they provided to our learning community.”
Tops President Ron Ferri also spoke, saying he’s never seen “such a turnout at a store.”
“We’re thrilled to be here today to showcase this beautiful location. I know we’ve said it a couple of times today, but doesn’t the store just look absolutely fantastic,” he said.
Olga said that about 20 new jobs have been filled at the new Starbucks Cafe and he looks forward to hiring an additional 20 positions next year.
He also said that the grocery store sees about 1,000 to 2,000 customers daily and that, as a native of Lockport, he recognizes more than a few.
“You get to see them every day and it’s like you’re greeting friends and family,” he said.
Renovations include a pharmacy with a waiting area, a Department of Motor Vehicles vision test site and a space for immunizations.