New grocery announced, sups close on building sale last week
On hand at Friday’s closing for the sale of the former Sunflower building were, from left: Roger Ginn, District 1 Supervisor, Bird Martin, District 4 Supervisor, Billy Bridges, District 5 Supervisor, Sherman Smith, District 2 Supervisor, Doug Popwell, District 3 Supervisor/President, partners with M & A Real Estate, LLP Moe Almaisari, Tony Almaisari, Abe Almaisari.
After almost four years since Tylertown became a single-supermarket town following the closure of the local Sunflower food store, local residents are happy to learn a new grocery store is on its way.
Last Friday, the rumors circulating for a few weeks became fact as the Walthall County Board of Supervisors announced the sale of the former Sunflower building to M & A Real Estate, LLP with the condition that the property be renovated for a grocery store.
The company plans to completely renovate the building inside and out and create a modern store with updated fixtures.
“We plan to offer a great variety and excellent prices,” Moe Almaisari, a company spokesman, said at Friday’s closing on the sale of the building. “We’re excited to come to this great community and become a part of it. We look forward to working together to improve the downtown area and making it better for everyone.”
Store owners plan to offer competitive prices on well-known products, fresh produce, meat and groceries, giving local buyers an alternative to their grocery shopping choices.
Supervisors purchased the building in October 1, 2021, with the intention of creating a courthouse annex. After meeting resistance from the public, the supervisors allowed the county Economic Development Authority to market the building for the purpose of having it reestablished as a grocery store. Over the years, several companies considered the location and made offers on the building. Economic developer, Pam Keaton worked with Tony Almaisari and the Board of Supervisors to come to terms that were beneficial to all parties.
Board president, Doug Popwell, is excited about the new store and feels the public will benefit by having another grocer in the community as it will return the property to the property tax rolls.
“Overall, this is a popular move with overwhelming support of county residents. We look forward to the store’s opening,” Popwell said.
Mayor Ed Hughes has been pushing for a grocery store since the closure of the Sunflower. According to Mississippi State University, a store like the one proposed by the Almaisari family should generate approximately $45,000 annually in sales tax to the Town of Tylertown.
