AROOSTOOK COUNTY, Maine — Hannaford announced Friday it will open its newest stores in Aroostook County next month.
The grocery chain acquired the Paradis Shop ‘n Save stores in Fort Kent and Madawaska and plans to open them under the Hannaford brand April 12 at 7 a.m. The stores will close April 8 at 2 p.m. for the transition.
"We’re excited to officially welcome these stores to the Hannaford banner as we continue to deliver the high-quality, fresh products and exceptional service that our customers expect," Todd Bullen, Hannaford's vice president of retail operations, said in a statement. “We thank the Fort Kent and Madawaska communities for their patience while we transition the stores and look forward to welcoming them as Hannaford customers in the near future.”
The Paradis family, which started the business in 1947, thanked the community for its support.
"The entire Paradis family is tremendously grateful to the Fort Kent and Madawaska communities, including the many associates and customers who have supported us for the past 77 years," the family said in a statement in January when the acquisition was announced. "We’re confident that Hannaford will provide the same level of personalized service and outstanding products that make the Paradis shopping experience so special, while also maintaining our commitment to the community. We hope you will join us in welcoming Hannaford."
Hannaford said the new stores will "continue to offer the fresh food for which Hannaford is known ... as well as an expansive selection of products from local farms and producers."
A Hannaford spokesperson could not be reached Friday for more information.
Officials in Fort Kent and Madawaska said Hannaford will retain the stores' staff and keep the same hours. They praised the Paradis family for serving the communities.
"They provided a high level of service and all of them were very involved in the community as well," Corey Pelletier, the chairperson of the Fort Kent Town Council who used to work at that town's Shop 'n Save, said.
Richard Dionne, chairperson of the Madawaska Town Council, added, "The Paradis family was well-educated in what the market was and what customers wanted. They met those needs and ran a good operation."
Pelletier and Dionne emphasized the importance of Hannaford to Aroostook County, considered a food desert because of its relative lack of large grocery stores.
"It's very important to the community to have access to fresh produce and fresh meats," Pelletier said.
The additions of the Fort Kent and Madawaska stores will bring the total number of Hannaford locations to 189, including 68 in Maine. The Scarborough-based company also has stores in New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts and New York.
Pelletier said having a Hannaford in Fort Kent could attract other workers at the chain to town, while Dionne said the company's presence could attract more employers to the region.
"We're looking forward to Hannaford coming to the area," Pelletier said.
The Fort Kent store is at 62 West Main St.; the Madawaska store is at 58 Main St.
Paradis Shop 'n Save continues to operate a store in Brewer.
