Super 1 Foods has officially broken ground on its second grocery location in Post Falls, Idaho, marking a significant expansion for the family-owned chain. As first reported by cdapress.com, the new facility at the intersection of Highway 41 and Prairie Avenue represents a $12 million investment in North Idaho’s retail landscape. The project underscores continued confidence in the local economy, even as other regions face construction delays or supply chain hurdles.
Growth Milestone for Family-Owned Chain
The new store will span 54,000 square feet, making it twice the size of Super 1’s existing location at 805 E. Polston in Post Falls. Randy McIntire, vice president of Super 1 Foods and manager of the original Post Falls site, noted the unexpected scale of the company’s growth over the decades.
“Nobody ever thought it would come to this, the size of the business, but it’s been really nice,” McIntire told the Coeur d’Alene Press during the ceremony. His father, Ron McIntire, also attended the event, highlighting the multi-generational nature of the enterprise.
This development marks the 17th store overall for the McIntire family and their ninth location within Idaho. The chain’s roots in Kootenai County run deep; the first Super 1 opened in Hayden in 1970. Since expanding to Oldtown in 2020, this is the company’s first new construction project in the region.
Modern Technology and Local Jobs
The Post Falls expansion will incorporate modern retail technology designed to improve efficiency for both shoppers and staff. The store will feature electronic price tags and an increased number of self-checkout lanes. Additionally, McIntire emphasized that upgrades are being implemented to enhance employee quality of life, a critical factor in the current labor market.
Once operational, the facility is expected to employ approximately 110 people, providing jobs for residents across Post Falls and neighboring communities like Rathdrum and Hayden. The construction phase itself has already generated work for local contractors, with Swinerton Construction handling the build-out. Eric Faust, operations manager for Swinerton’s Spokane branch, noted his personal connection to the area, living near the new site.
Support from Post Falls Leadership
Post Falls Mayor Randy Westlund praised the development during the groundbreaking, emphasizing the value of private investment in the city’s infrastructure and commerce.
“This is such a fantastic location and I’m really appreciative of all of the investments in Post Falls from such a great company,” Westlund told the Coeur d’Alene Press. The mayor’s comments reflect a broader municipal strategy to attract and retain local businesses that contribute to the tax base without relying heavily on public subsidies.
Timeline for Completion
Construction is underway with an estimated completion date of July 2027. The timeline allows for thorough planning and adherence to building codes, ensuring the facility meets modern safety and accessibility standards. For residents in the Panhandle, this expansion offers increased competition and convenience in the grocery sector, potentially stabilizing prices and improving service options.
As Super 1 continues to grow, its focus remains on serving local communities with reliable goods and employment opportunities. The new Post Falls store will join a network that includes locations across Idaho and Washington, reinforcing the chain’s regional footprint.
For more on local business developments in Kootenai County, see our coverage of Grocery Chain Breaks Ground on New Post Falls Super 1 Store. Readers interested in broader economic trends affecting North Idaho can also review analysis on Coeur d’Alene Seeks State Law Change to Tap Visitor Tax Revenue.