Stokes Grocery unveiled its newly remodeled store on Wednesday, October 16, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Christy Simmons from the Salem City Council, local community members, and eager shoppers. The event marked the completion of a comprehensive renovation project that began in May, designed to transform the shopping experience while maintaining the store’s strong local ties. Attendees were treated to product sampling, free giveaways, and a celebratory BBQ featuring a kids’ bounce house to highlight the grand reopening.
Stokes Market, a family-owned business spanning four generations, began as a dream for Harold Stokes and has since grown into a beloved community staple. Established in the 1960s when Eldon Stokes opened the first store in Burley, Idaho, the Stokes family has continued to expand, now operating stores in Aberdeen, Burley, Preston, and Salem, Utah.
The remodel introduced a Dairy Queen (DQ) inside the store and an enhanced Service Deli, which now features an in-house smoking program for fresh lunch and dinner offerings. Despite initial plans to relocate the in-store ACE Hardware, the team worked with the city to incorporate both ACE Hardware and DQ into the revamped space. The remodel touched nearly every part of the store, from the frontend and bakery department to the service deli and center store, showcasing a fresh, updated look to accompany the new additions.
In addition to the broader variety of grocery staples, Stokes Grocery emphasizes support for local businesses by offering products from brands like Clean Simple Eats, Bucked Up, and Just Ingredients. The store’s remodel also enhanced the floral and home décor departments, continuing to serve as a one-stop shop for the community. “The Stokes team has done an incredible job bringing this vision to life,” said Jamie Stevenson, Stokes’ senior retail counselor. “Supporting the Salem community and offering local products is what truly sets this store, and AFS, apart. We’re excited to see how these efforts will continue to benefit both the guests in Salem and local businesses.” Stokes Grocery now stands as a more versatile and modern space, ready to meet the evolving needs of its loyal shoppers.