Public, community and business leaders including Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan, Assemblywoman Pat Fahy and Assemblyman John McDonald gathered on December 15 to celebrate the grand opening of the new Save-A-Lot grocery store – the national chain’s second location in the City of Albany – at 612 Central Avenue.  The Rosenblum Companies purchased the property at 612 Central Avenue from Albany Medical Center (AMC) in April of this year.  Rosenblum then worked with Save-A-Lot to convert the former office building on the site, which AMC was vacating, into the neighborhood grocery.

Save-A-Lot is one of the nation’s leading hard discount, edited assortment grocery chains, carrying an assortment of grocery essentials, including farm-direct fruits and vegetables, USDA-inspected meats, dairy products, baked goods, shelf-ready and frozen foods, household goods, and pet food, as well as baby, health, and beauty care products. Save-A-Lot reduces costs by focusing on smaller store footprints with a curated selection of products that reduces the need for space.  Exclusive Save-A-Lot brand items cost nearly 40 percent less than leading competitors.

“Everyday at Save-A-Lot, our Albany customers will find fresh produce, meat that is cut in the store daily, national and in-house brands, all for an affordable price,” said Tom Kallio, Save-A-Lot Northeast Business Unit Director.  “We are exited to be growing in the City and look forward to serving more shoppers with our new store.

The Rosenblum Companies was awarded $25,000 towards the conversion costs for the approximately 20,000 square foot building from National Grid’s Main Street Revitalization Program, which provides matching grants aimed at the revitalization of critical main streets and commercial corridors in villages, towns and cities in National Grid’s service territory, including the renovation and rehabilitation of commercial, industrial or mixed-use buildings.

“Rosenblum’s project is an ideal candidate for National Grid’s Main Street Revitalization Grant program,” said Laurie Poltynski, Regional Executive of National Grid. “Re-use of a vacant building in one of Albany’s largest commercial districts is a great way to revitalize the area and create new jobs.”

The new Save-A-Lot store will support approximately 30 new positions.  In addition, the previously tax exempt site is again generating tax revenue.

“As our organization continues to grow and diversify its portfolio, we remain steadfast in our mission to pursue projects that we feel will have a positive impact on our community,” said Seth Rosenblum, CEO of The Rosenblum Companies. “We are happy to have found a like-minded partner in Save-A-Lot and another opportunity to invest productively in Albany.”

“I’m pleased to welcome this newest Save-A-Lot location to Albany,” said Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan. “By increasing their commitment to Albany, Save-A-Lot and The Rosenblum Companies are creating employment opportunities, growing our tax base and providing quality staples that will benefit all residents, particularly those among us who are most under-served.”

During the opening ceremony, Save-A-Lot presented Natasha Pernicka, Executive Director of The Food Pantries for the Capital District, with a donation of $2,500 in store gift cards.

Save-A-Lot is open seven days a week; 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. Read more about the store’s newest Capital Region location on All Over Albany.