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Jeanerette gets new grocery store after 2022 fire
JEANERETTE, La. (KLFY) -- Raintree Market is set to open in Jeanerette, replacing Mac's Sugar City Market which was destroyed by fire in June 2022.
"It's their investment and their store, and we're just excited to have it here in Jeanerette," said Carol Bourgeois Jr.
Bourgeois says after Mac's Sugar City Market, officials had to regroup on how residents receive food. Organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank and Raintree Market in Baldwin stepped in, to bring mobile food truck and discounted produce to fill the gap until a new store could be built.
The Chitimacha Tribe of Louisiana also played a significant role in supporting the establishment of the new Raintree Market, helping to bring fresh food options back to the city.
Reverend Wilfred Johnson with Jeanerette Chamber of Commerce thanked the Chitimacha Tribe and Raintree Grocery for their help in funding the construction of the store.
"We're excited and again we thank the Chitimacha Tribe, the Raintree Grocery for coming here, and providing this resource to the city and as a chamber, I mean its commerce for the city," said Johnson.
Terri Thompson, also with the Chamber of Commerce highlighted the economic benefits.
"Our city council, first responders, the police department, we all played a part and we just thank God that we finally getting a store in Jeanerette, not only just getting a store, but creating jobs and economic stability," said Thompson.
Savitra Collins, also with the Jeanerette Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of community support as the opening nears.
"I just hope that the community supports Raintree, and their efforts of trying to support us in this community, so it's very very important that we shop locally," said Collins.
The partnership with Raintree Market is expected to boost local businesses and increase sales tax revenue, contributing to the economic stability of Jeanerette.
The new grocery store will hold its grand opening on Nov. 19 at 10 a.m., providing Jeanerette residents with a local shopping option after years without a dedicated grocery store
All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by KLFY. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat from a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by KLFY staff before being published.