“I’m Just So Happy They’re Here”

Lining up for Leppink's

“I’m Just So Happy They’re Here”
​Leppink’s Food Center opens in Newaygo
By Ken DeLaat

​They got there early.

With the opening of the doors promised at 7am folks from throughout the community lined up for the much anticipated new arrival, stretching far down the sidewalk area of the shopping center.

Cinda Simons was first in the long line of folks waiting to make their initial visit to Newaygo’s newest store, arriving at 6:15am.

“I wanted to be here early to get the  goodies they’re handing out,” she said with a laugh. “I’ve been shopping at their place in Howard City and am glad to see them come over this way.”

​"On behalf of the Leppink family and all of our associates, we would like to welcome you to our, and your, new Leppink's Food Center!" said Richard Cole as he and co-owner John Leppink performed the ribbon cutting ceremony. Then the  doors came open  as associates scrambled to their appointed posts and...

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...customers poured into the facility, most pausing to take in the dramatic new look of the familiar building.

Mr. Cole greeted customers at the door as they entered to take advantage of sales, giveaways and the strategically placed samples to be sure , but also to see the new kid in town.  To witness for themselves what Leppink’s Food Center was going to look like, and feel like and be like.

And they came away impressed.
 
“The produce looks wonderful”
“Well worth the wait. And a long wait it was.”
 “Have you seen the deli? You have to go see the deli.”
 “After all this time to have a store like this is such  a treasure for our town.”
 “I’m just so happy they’re here.”
 
Bryon Proctor was the first to complete a shopping trip as he strolled out with his purchase.
 
“Great having a Spartan store here again. It’s the only place in town I can get the Spartan Strawberry Jam. It’s the best.”
 
Inside, shoppers made their way through the store slowly as they began the process of becoming familiarized with a new layout and newer products. The parking lot was full and would remain so for most of the day. Well toward closing time the store would remain busy serving a community that has hoped for a venue to fill the hole created more than 6 months ago.
 
And throughout the community the arrival of Leppink’s in Newaygo was the topic of conversation. People who had been there enthusiastically described their experience and their listeners who then spoke of plans to get there later in the day. It created an excitement and a positive buzz in our area.
 
Leppink’s Food Center welcomed the community during the ribbon cutting ceremony.
 
And the rest of the day the community welcomed Leppink’s.
 
And a warm welcome it was.