ARDMORE, Okla. (KTEN) — Albertsons, one of the nation's top supermarket chains, says it will open its first Oklahoma store in Ardmore. A groundbreaking ceremony Thursday morning commemorated the start of construction.

"We actually have been anticipating this day for two-plus years now,” said Ardmore City Manager Kevin Boatright. “Seeing it come today is a great day."

The City of Ardmore conducted a retail study six years ago to identify what commercial development was in demand.

"On that list in 2017, grocery store was either number one or number two,” Boatright explained. “It was at the top of the list. We've been working since that day to try to make this happen."

The 50,000 square foot Albertsons store will be located at Market Street Plaza on 12th Avenue. It will feature a bakery, deli, meat and seafood, produce, and floral departments, along with a pharmacy and a Starbucks cafe.

"Most of our operations are in North Texas, so we'll be servicing stores through our distribution in North Texas,” said Albertsons spokesperson Christy Lara. “Ardmore is close enough to that distribution system that we can pop right over and get those groceries to the store."

And Boatright added that Albertsons may soon be getting some neighbors.

"We're actually building a brand-new road from the back of the grocery store to Merrick Circle,” Boatright explained. “It's another anchor. They already have one main anchor store here. That's obviously Academy. Having two makes it an even bigger draw."

Albertsons is expected to open in late 2024.