Big Y To Open New Store In Bethel

SPRINGFIELD, MASS. — Big Y has announced plans to open a World Class Market in Bethel, early in 2006.

Big Y’s proposed 63,835-square-foot supermarket will anchor a new 100,000-square-foot shopping center to be constructed by C.E. Bethel LLC on a 14-acre site at the southeasterly corner of Stony Road, Route 6, and Old Hawleyville Road. The Bethel location will be the supermarket chain’s 57th store and the third Big Y in Fairfield County, as it joins existing Big Y World Class Markets in Newtown and Monroe.

The proposed Bethel Big Y World Class Market represents an investment of more than$5 million by Big Y. More than 200 full- and part-time positions will be created. Market highlights include an international food court with an eat-in café, a wide variety of foods to go and heat-and-eat entrees; a broad selection of specialty foods including an extensive selection of organic and kosher foods; and a full service butcher shop, where customers can have selections cut to order. In addition to the Big Y World Class Market, the $15 million dollar development will contain approximately 25,000 square feet of retail stores plus three freestanding out parcel buildings.

“We are excited to announce this addition to our Connecticut community of stores,” said Charles D’ Amour, Big Y chief operating officer. “We look forward to bringing Big Y’s world class service, quality and selection to shoppers in Danbury and Bethel.”

Headquartered in Springfield, Mass., Big Y is the second largest independently owned supermarket chain in New England. They currently operate 53 stores throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts, with over 8,500 employees. Founded in 1936 by brothers Paul and Gerald D’Amour, the store was named after an intersection in Chicopee, Mass., where two roads converge to form a “Y.”