Nov. 2—Dozens of people, from downtown residents to local business owners, gathered on Tuesday, Nov. 2, for a sneak peek inside Grand Forks' newest grocery store, Hugo's Pure Market, which is set for a soft opening later this week.
On Tuesday, invited guests and passersby got a chance to take a look around the store, eat free food and have a few drinks at the 506 Pub, located inside. Once there, people were able to shop as well, so newly hired staff members could get in some practice. The open house event is slated to continue on Wednesday afternoon.
Kristi Magnuson Nelson, president and CEO of Hugo's Family Marketplace, looked on with satisfaction as people meandered around the store. Guests loaded up plates and sat in the pub, in a party-like atmosphere. People were given free drink tickets for the pub, which quickly filled up with guests
"I'm excited," Nelson said. "I can't wait to hear what people think of (the new supermarket). I hope they enjoy it as much as we do."
Hugo's Pure Market, at the corner of DeMers Avenue and North Fifth Street, is set to hold a soft opening at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 4. The store will initially be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., before expanding to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and finally 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The staged increases in operating hours are to give employees time to put the finishing touches on the store, and get familiar with their roles.
It will be the sixth location in Greater Grand Forks and the 11th overall for the company. The ground was broken for the supermarket in early October, more than two years ago.
People attending the open house toured the building and got a rundown on its offerings, which include an Alerus branch, the pub and a Hugo's Wine and Spirits. Workers on lunch breaks will be able to use a serve-yourself deli counter and options will be available for dinner, as well. Those looking for lighter fare can use a pair of "Sally the Salad" robots. Customers place a bowl in the machine, select ingredients or a pre-programmed salad, hit a button and let the machine build them a salad for takeout.
UND student Madison Hart lives in the Pure North apartments above the supermarket with three roommates. She said they received an email from Hugo's informing them of the event. They enjoyed some food and a few drinks, before wandering around the store.
"It's amazing so far," Hart said, and joked about how much time they will spend in their apartment. "Everything we need is right here so we don't even need to leave."