Safeway is now putting the finishing touches on its new Capitol Hill store, at 415 14^th Street SE in Washington, D.C., which is slated to hold its grand opening on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 6 a.m. Developed by Safeway and Potomac, Maryland-based Foulger-Pratt, the 60,236 square-foot store — the first to open in the area since the Petworth location opened in 2014 — will anchor a mixed-use project called Beckert’s Park, which includes further retail space and 325 residential units.

The Capitol Hill location’s grand opening will kick-off of a month of celebrations as renovations are unveiled in August at four other area Safeway stores, two more in the District of Columbia, one in Silver Spring, Maryland, and one in Arlington, Virginia.

“We are delighted to grand open our beautiful new Capitol Hill grocery store, on the same site where our previous store stood until two years ago,” noted Tom Lofland, president of Safeway’s Lanham, Maryland-based eastern division. “This conveniently located neighborhood store will offer many unique features and products. Customers will be sure to enjoy the beautiful, modern design and the wide selection of products, including organic, natural and healthy goods across all departments. We know the Capitol Hill Safeway will be a wonderful addition to the community.”

Store Director Matthew Frye, who until recently ran Safeway’s Southwest Waterfront location in the District of Columbia, will supervise a team of 350 associates.

The store’s deli will include such new features as poutine, a barbecue sandwich bar, a sushi bar, poké bowls, a specialty cheese shop, charcuterie, and a bigger selection of grab-and-go packaged meals. There will also be an on-site catering department with a range of trays for parties, dinner and dessert. Café seating will be available adjacent to the deli, next to the Starbucks coffee bar, and sidewalk seating will be set up outside.

As well as permitting customers to place advance orders for dry-aged choice beef ribeye or New York strip steaks, the meat department will offer a wide selection of organic, grass-fed, natural, and choice-grade beef items. The poultry case will feature a large selection of organic, natural, and antibiotic-free chicken, while the full-service meat case will offer custom-cutting services provided by Safeway’s butchers.

Read the full article here: https://progressivegrocer.com/safeway-readies-dc-store-august-opening