Downtown Kokomo will now have a full-service grocery at its disposal.
White's Meat Market owners announced Monday plans to take up occupancy in the former Walgreens building at the corner of Washington and Sycamore streets and open a new location just a couple blocks from the county courthouse.
The nearly 12,000-square-foot building, which will include a 64-foot meat counter, a salad bar, a hot food bar, a soft-serve ice cream bar and a full-service grocery selection, is set to open in the spring of 2016, once the inside of the building is transformed to suit White's needs. The new store is expected to bring in at least 15 new jobs.
"We still have some gutting to do, but it's going to be a prime location when it's done," White's owner Howard White said. "You won't believe it."
White’s Meat Market opened its first Kokomo location near the intersection of the then-U.S. 31 and Indiana 26 in 1984, and then added locations on the northside of Kokomo in 1990 and Tipton in 2001. As it’s grown, the business has established a reputation for quality products and service.
Now, patrons will have a chance to benefit from a significantly larger White’s location, a downtown venue which will offer much more than the others do.
“This investment will not only provide better, healthier food options for the rapidly growing downtown, but will place our family business on firm ground for the coming decades,” Howard White said. “Investing in downtown Kokomo will provide a new, firm ground, and with all our new residents, it will provide the next generation of White’s Meat Market customers. I have received great support over the years from many great people.”
Howard and son, Josh White, said the sizeable former pharmacy boasts enough square footage to continue to sell the quality deli products the business has been known for the over the last 30 years, but it will also offer fresh produce, fried chicken, soft-serve ice cream, hot food and other grocery items.
Part of $6 million renovation investment will include a custom-made 64-foot meat and deli case.