Residents of Joshua and areas beyond came out in droves Wednesday morning to be among the first shoppers in the brand new Brookshire’s Food & Pharmacy on Texas 174.
The grocery store, located at 1001 Joshua Station Blvd., is the first business to open in Joshua Station, a mixed-use development slated for years of upgrades and growth as the county’s population grows. Mayor Joe Hollarn, city council members, the Joshua Area Chamber of Commerce, Joshua ISD administrators and others took part in a welcome address and ribbon cutting ceremony.
“We’re so excited to be here today,” JACC President Kim Henderson said. “Brookshire’s is finally open and it is gorgeous.”
The store, which replaces the former Brookshire’s at 106 Conveyor Drive, is 37,400 square feet, complete with an expanded grocery department, bakery and a deli which includes a dining area with free Wi-Fi. Shoppers can pick up freshly-made guacamole, salsa, fruit and yogurt snacks, mixed fruits and other in-store creations in the expanded produce section.
Many energy-efficient and sustainable features are also part of the new store. Skylights, an automated lighting control system, reflective roofing and environmentally friendly insulation cut back on costs. The polished concrete floor also cuts back on the amount of cleaning agents needed.
“I know when I was driving up and saw the parking lot, there was a line from the movie ‘Field of Dreams’ — ‘build it and they will come,’ Hollarn said. “It looks like we’ve got a great turnout so I am very excited. I think Brookshire’s has delivered a first-class facility. I think there is everything that you could hope for in a grocery store that’s here. They’ve also done a lot to help out economic development. They’ve got 100 people that are working here. Seventy-five of those are new people, so that’s tremendous.
“This store is also going to be a boost to our sales tax and property tax, which is great for everybody."
Joshua Station is expected to be Joshua’s go-to destination, with plans for restaurants, multi-family developments, retail stores and a park and ride facility in coming years.
Store Manager Daniel Thomas said he was pleased to finally be at the new location, adding, “Brookshire’s had a dream to build a store here in Joshua, for you.”
One of the things Brookshire’s is committed to, he said, is giving back to local community organizations. As part of the opening ceremony, Thomas presented $1,000 checks to the Joshua Fire Department, JISD’s Elder Elementary School and the Joshua Education Foundation.
Brookshire Grocery Co. President and CEO Rick Rayford and Brad Brookshire, chairman of the board, welcomed those in attendance and said the family-owned company was excited to have the opportunity to open the new store in Joshua.
“This is about as good as we can do,” Rayford said. “[The employees] are all fantastic, willing, ready and able to serve you with your needs. We’re excited about the support we see here today.”
Grand opening festivities continue for several weeks with giveaways and promotions. Customers who use their Thank You Card from now through March 13 will be entered to win one of eight iPads as well as reusable grocery bags. Those who either transfer or bring a new prescription to the pharmacy will also receive 1,000 yourpoints good toward discounts on fuel and groceries.
