Hannaford Supermarkets will unveil its newest store in Presque Isle two weeks before Thanksgiving.
The Scarborough-based grocery chain will reopen the former Graves’ Shop ‘n Save on Friday, Nov. 13.
It will be Hannaford’s 69th Maine location and will kick off a new chapter for a longstanding neighborhood grocery store.
Graves Shop ‘n Save has been part of everyday life in Aroostook County for generations, first opening in Mars Hill by the Graves family in 1935. The independent grocer has been in Presque Isle since 1959 and in its current location at 797 Main St. since 1970.
Many people in the community worked their first jobs at the store and others built careers there, the Graves family said in a recent message to the community.
The family sold the store to Brandon Hopkins in December 2021, but remained involved.
“We know that change can bring emotion, questions and uncertainty, especially with a business that has been part of the community for so long,” the family said. “But we want this message to be a positive one.”
Hannaford plans to build on the family’s legacy, Hannaford spokesman Zach Blanchard said Thursday.
“Customers will continue to see many familiar faces and products, including our selection of high-quality Hannaford brand items,” Blanchard said. “We’re proud to begin this next chapter and deepen our connection with the Presque Isle community.”
Following the acquisition of Graves Shop ‘n Save earlier this year, the New England supermarket giant has been planning upgrades throughout the 35,000-square-foot store, officials said.
To prepare for the Nov. 13 grand opening, the Presque Isle store will temporarily close at 2 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 9, and reopen under the Hannaford banner at 7 a.m. Friday, Nov. 13.
The Presque Isle Pharmacy, an independently operated pharmacy inside the store, will continue to operate during the closure, according to officials. Customers can directly access the pharmacy or opt for curbside pickup, Blanchard said.
A full-service Hannaford pharmacy will open in December. Any active prescriptions will automatically transfer to Hannaford.
“This pharmacy has proudly served the Presque Isle community for years,” Wendy Boynton, director of pharmacy operations at Hannaford, said. “We know how important it is for our customers to feel welcome and supported when it comes to their health. As we look ahead to this next chapter, we’re committed to continuing to serve the community with care.”
Blanchard expects the store to employ approximately 80 Hannaford staff, including many of the same people who have worked there for years. They will also be hiring for some positions, he said.
“This store has earned the trust of generations of customers and we’re honored to carry that legacy forward,” Todd Bullen, Hannaford vice president of retail operations, said in a previous interview. “Our focus is on preserving what customers value most while continuing to deliver fresh, quality products, dependable value and exceptional service in a welcoming environment.”
The Presque Isle store raises Hannaford’s number of locations to 189 in New England and New York. The company has expanded its reach in northern Maine in recent years, acquiring Paradis Shop ‘n Save stores in Fort Kent and Madawaska in 2024. Hannaford also runs supermarkets in Caribou and Houlton.
Before buying the Presque Isle site, Hannaford acquired four other Graves’ stores — Camden, Dover-Foxcroft, Hampden, and Bar Harbor — in 2005, according to previous news accounts.
With the new store opening two weeks before Thanksgiving, staff are working hard to help customers stay within their budgets, Blanchard said.
In addition to store coupons and weekly flyer sales, shoppers registered for the My Hannaford Rewards program earn 2% rewards on private brand items that are redeemed at the register quarterly.
“Shoppers can look to our weekly flyer for the latest savings,” he said. “We [also offer] our Thanksgiving Meal for 8 under $40.”
Graves had a similar Loyalty Rewards program that must be redeemed by Nov. 8.
The Presque Isle Hannaford will be open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information about the Presque Isle Hannaford, visit Hannaford.com.
