AMERICAN FALLS — Since its opening in December, many locals and non-residents alike have stepped foot into the new Ridley’s grocery store at 2827 Pocatello Ave. in American Falls to browse the wide selection of wares its offering to the community.
Chris Lucero, who has worked for Ridley’s for 22 years and is now the store manager of the American Falls location, said there was hardly a need to hold a grand opening after strong word-of-mouth spread the news that the store was having a soft opening Dec. 4.
Reception from the area has been “very welcome,” Lucero said. “We didn’t even fully advertise. I think the community advertised for us via Facebook and some city websites. So it’s just taken off great. And it’s been great to see the people come in here and be like, ‘This thing has everything.’ They absolutely love it.”
Ridley’s CEO Jerry Ridley added that customer feedback has also been “overwhelmingly positive” and that it’s thanks to the America Falls team that has already provided great service to the community.
“We have a great group of people who have joined our team there in American Falls who are doing a great job of taking care of our guests and offering the service we are known for at Ridley's,” Ridley said. “Our family and our entire company are very excited about what the future holds in American Falls.”
Ridley’s competes with locally owned Ken’s Food Market and a discount variety store Family Dollar. It offers a bakery department, a full-service meat department, a walk-in beer cave, a large deli, a pharmacy and an Arctic Circle restaurant with drive-thru services.
They also offer fresh-cut fruit, cut meat fresh on-site and are selling their signature donuts. For those using food stamps or WIC, Ridley’s also accepts both.
Lucero said job seekers who are looking for employment at Ridley’s can reach out to shopridleys.com and search for the American Falls location to look up available jobs.
“We are really excited to finally be a part of the American Falls community,” said Ridley’s store founder, Anita Ridley. “We have been hoping to bring a Ridley’s store to the community there for a long time and couldn’t be more excited about the warm reception we have received so far from our customers in the area. We know having another option to shop locally in American Falls helps the entire community and reduces the amount of trips and jobs that have to leave the local community."