Food City of Maynardville held its Grand Reopening last month. Store manager Scott Inklebarger cut the ribbon along with Mayor Ty Blakely of Maynardville and K-VA-T/Food City CEO Steven Smith holding the ribbon along with a host of administrative employees. The UCHS JROTC raised the flag and Christina Cooper sang the National Anthem as well as a series of patriotic songs.
According to Smith, the store has been expanded by 9200 sq. ft. to a total of 53,000 sq. ft. Expansions brought 75 new jobs. Smith said that there will be the same smiling faces offering even more quality products to serve the people of Union County.
Blakely thanked Smith for caring to invest in small towns. Blakely noted that every job is important to Maynardville. He also explained that Food City’s retail sales help fund our schools and grow our city.
Marilyn Toppins, who was Inklebarger’s teacher at Luttrell Elementary School, represented Union County Business & Professional Association. She told how important Inklebarger and Food City are to the civic organizations.
Food City sponsors the UCBPA Charities Golf Classic to raise money to fund scholarships for graduating seniors. Inklebarger secures all of the beverages, many of the door prizes, and most of the goody bag treats for the tournament as well as recruiting more than half of the teams that play. His community involvement includes sponsoring 4-H Baking Contests, hosting a tree for Union County Children’s Charities and donating thousands of dollars in food to local pantries.
Food City has supported county festivals, fundraisers for citizens struggling to overcome health issues and numerous athletic events.
Inklebarger was named the UCBPA Man of 2023 for his volunteer efforts and business acumen. He thanked his loyal customers and outstanding employees for their patience and support during the expansion.
The store expansion includes a Starbucks to serve various coffee products. The deli has been upgraded to serve Asian food and an increased number of meats and vegetables. The floral shop is located at the front of the store with a wider selection of gifts. The produce and pharmacy were also enlarged.
Food City began as an 800 sq. ft. Piggly Wiggly in Grundy, Virginia, and now includes 152 stores with 97 establishments in Tennessee. The corporate headquarters is in Abingdon, Virginia. All are committed to “run the best store in town.”