Brookshire Grocery Co. celebrates store’s remodel

Brookshire Grocery Co. held a ribbon cutting ceremony with the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Dec. 2. The ceremony celebrated the remodeling of the Brookshire’s grocery store at 220 S. West Ave, El Dorado.

“We thank everyone for being here, this is awesome,” John Tomanio, store director, exclaimed.

“The store looks great. We replaced all the cases, floors, everything is just awesome; it is a great place to come to work everyday,” Tomanio added, drawing thunderous applause and cheers from those in attendance who gathered in front of the store.

Brookshire Grocery Co. has been in operation since 1928. The company operates more than 180 stores across three states: Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas. Brookshire is also a regional family owned business and that family presence was felt as Brad Brookshire, chairman and CEO of the company was among the day’s speakers. He told the story of how his grandfather started the business 92 years ago by opening the first Brookshire’s in Tyler, Texas, and proceeded to thank the El Dorado community for being a part of the Brookshire family.

“It is a beautiful day to celebrate the grand opening of store number 40 in El Dorado,” Brookshire said. “This was our first store in El Dorado and we now have 20 stores across Arkansas. The store looks great; the before and after is amazing.”

Mayor Veronica Smith-Creer was also in attendance and one of the speakers. She talked about the importance of having Brookshire’s in the El Dorado community and how it greatly serves the residents of the city.

The ceremony was quite festive. Large balloons towered over the store and streamers were placed throughout the parking lot. Brookshire’s Community Kitchen food truck was also parked in the parking lot, serving a free breakfast for all in attendance and to anyone that came up for a meal as part of their ‘Give back to the community’ initiative.

The El Dorado High School varsity cheerleaders were also in attendance and gave a few cheers for the audience. One of the cheers integrated the school’s mascot with groceries: “C.A.T.S love groceries.”

But one of the big highlights from the ceremony was the 13-foot tall motorized “Big Grocery Cart.” The motorized cart was there to take anyone who would dare on a joyride throughout the store parking lot. Some of the first passengers were a cohort of the cheerleaders, huddled together to stay warm as it was a brisk cool morning. The driver revved up the engine, showing off the power of the “Big Grocery Cart.”

“Come enjoy our fresh new shopping experience,” the statement bannered on the side of the motorized cart read, inviting the El Dorado community inside.

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