Harvest Foods to open store

BONNERS FERRY — Harvest Foods is opening a grocery store in the community.

The store will be located in the old Safeway building, located at 216 First St. in downtown Bonners Ferry. The store is slated to open in September, according to John Akins.

Akins said the store will be remodeled with a relevant and timeless look, with an updated color scheme and decor. In addition, the store will feature new check stands  and registers.

"We want the shoppers to know that they will receive a very warm welcome along with great customer service,” Akins said. “There will be a selection of Western Family products as well as your other favorite brands."

The Bonners Ferry store will be the 36th Harvest Foods store, which includes independently-owned stores in Idaho, Washington, Montana and Oregon. The group is able to use is combined buying power to bring customers a wide variety of products at competitive prices, according to the Harvest Foods website. That commitment to its customers and quality are why it is one of the fastest-growing independent grocery store groups in the region.

The store is the second Harvest Foods owned by Akins, who also owns a Harvest Foods store in Quincy, Wash. That store was started by Akins’ father, Arlis Akins, in 1963.

John Akins said he is excited by the opportunity to open a store in Bonners Ferry.

"We believe we can do an outstanding job for the residents of the area and look forward to being a good member of the community."

Harvest Foods stresses freshness, quality and customer service, Akins said, adding that customers will be offered quality groceries and services at competitive prices. In addition, the store will feature USDA Choice Angus beef and prairie fresh pork products as well as top quality produce.

The store will be managed by John Akins’ son, Nick.

The company plans to begin hiring in August. John Akins said the company anticipates opening the store in late September or early October.

Those interested in applying for positions at the store can will out applications online by going to www.harvestfoodsnw.com and clicking on "employment." Those who cannot access the Internet, can send their resumes to: Akins Harvest Foods, Human Resource Department, 1410 N. Mullan, Suite 207, Spokane Valley, WA 99206.