It’s official: Price Chopper, Dunkin' Donuts coming to Fort Scott

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Fort Scott City Commission, two stores were announced as being part of a proposed upcoming redevelopment project in Fort Scott – Dunkin’ Donuts and Price Chopper.

Joel Riggs, director of real estate for Super Market Developers, Inc., which is under Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc., and Barry Queen, principal with Queen Enterprises LLC, spoke to commissioners and city staff about the proposed $9.5 million redevelopment project at 2322 S. Main St., the site of the former Woods Supermarket.

Riggs showed plans for the building, which will contain a drive-through Dunkin’ Donuts on the south end of the building that will also house the Price Chopper grocery store. The redevelopment district would not contain a pharmacy, Riggs said.

Commissioners approved various ordinances and resolutions associated with the project after hearing comments from city staff, citizens and project developers. Several officials voiced their excitement for the project.

Director of Economic Development Rachel Pruitt said after the meeting Price Chopper is a retailer for Super Market Developers, and the grocery store would be run under the Queen Price Chopper name.

The proposed redevelopment plan includes transforming the existing building into an approximately 39,500-square-foot grocery store and the construction of one or more retail/restaurant pad sites on the property. The plan includes land acquisition costs, interior and exterior building renovations, associated site work, utilities, storm water control, access, landscaping, lighting, parking facilities, other associated structures and facilities, city documents state.

Additional plots of land in the proposal include the parking lot at 2322 S. Main St., and a 4,500-square-foot plot of land near Tractor Supply.

The building at 2322 S. Main St., housed Woods Supermarket until the business closed in late 2016.

The area under the proposed redevelopment qualifies as an enterprise zone, making it an eligible area for redevelopment under the TIF (tax increment financing) Act.