Louisiana's Leading Indie Plans Store No. 16

THIBODAUX, La. -- Rouses, the largest independent supermarket chain in Louisiana, has broken ground on a new store in Slidell, which is a New Orleans suburb in St. Tammany Parish.

The 62,000-square-foot upscale market will be located on an 18-acre development that previously housed a Schwegmann Giant Supermarket. It will be the company's 16th store, and part of Rouses Holdings, LLC's sixth shopping center.

"This market will have the same format as the new store we opened in Mandeville in December of 2005," said Donald Rouse, managing partner of Rouses, in a statement. That "epicure" Rouses Market format features Italian porcelain, wood floors, and an open floor plan for easy traffic flow. "Customers in Mandeville responded very favorably to our unique layout, upscale offerings, and everyday low prices," said Rouse. "I expect the same response in Slidell."

Rouses Slidell Market will be the fourth unit based on the Rouses Market concept.

Features planned for the Slidell unit include a store-within-a-store Healthy Lifestyle Center, which includes organic and natural packaged foods and some health-oriented nonfoods and HBC items; a large selection of specialty foods and products; a full-service butcher shop; seafood market; deli; cafe; floral shop; and one of the largest supermarket selections of wines in the state. The large produce department will feature more than 300 selections, including organic produce, with a fruit and gift basket station as the centerpiece of the department.

Rouses will be serving its new Bayou Boys Barbeque and fresh hot soups in Tony's Cafe. Customers will also be able to get Rouses' muffalettas, famous chicken salad, and South Louisiana specialties.

A Quizno's Sandwich in the Market will serve toasted sandwiches in addition to salads.

Founded in 1960 by Anthony J. Rouse Sr. with four employees, Rouses will employ over 2,000 people with the completion of the new Slidell store.

In addition to the market, there will be an additional 130,000 square feet of retail space available. Total cost of the entire project is estimated at $21 million.
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