Monday, December 17, 2007

Piggly Wiggly to open May 9

It’s looking Piggly Wiggly pink in Opelika along Second Avenue where doors will open May 9 at what was a long-standing Kroger store.

April 19, 2007

It’s looking Piggly Wiggly pink in Opelika along Second Avenue where doors will open May 9 at what was a long-standing Kroger store.

Given the competition of Wright’s Grocery, Winn Dixie, Wal-Mart Supercenter, The Meat Store and Kroger opening this summer in TigerTown, Mike Milligan, his dad, JT, and his brothers, Keith and Gil say there’s room in the community for all players including their Piggly Wiggly store managed by Danny Hudson.

“We hope folks will come out and see us and take a look,“ Co-owner Mike Milligan said. “We hope they see things they like and will tell us if they want to see things done differently. We really want community input. This is their store.“

From Georgia peaches to Mississippi sweet potatoes, Milligan says a strong produce push is part of Piggly Wiggly’s commitment to farmers.

“We get our produce from local and regional farmers,“ he said. “We feel it’s important to support our local farmers instead of having it shipped in from somewhere.“

Private Piggly brand labels are also a big draw. Milligan says the prices and quality keep customers coming back. The store will also house a deli and bakery. But the meat department is what he says is the real store showstopper.

“My dad (JT) was a meat cutter,“ Milligan said. “My brothers (Keith and Gil) and I grew up learning the meat business. Our meat department is the cornerstone of what we do, it can make or break a store.“

The Opelika store will mark the 18th Piggly Wiggly owned by the Milligan family with roots in Phenix City and Columbus, Ga. JT Milligan opened the first store in 1966. And already a third generation of Milligan men are grocery groomed under the watchful eye of their grandfather and their dads. Three Milligan sons are currently enrolled at Auburn University where their dads once attended.

“We’re all big Auburn University football fans,“ Milligan said.

An autographed photo of AU head football coach Tommy Tuberville will hang on a store wall. Piggly Wiggly history and historic Opelika memorabilia will also be featured there. Once doors open May 9, the store will be open seven days a week at 1515-A Second Ave. Each Wednesday, seniors will enjoy a 5 percent grocery discount.

“We’re thrilled to be here,“ said Milligan of the store’s prime real estate locale along well-traveled Second Avenue. “Opelika has warmly welcomed us. We feel at home here.“