Six months ago, the Safeway in Dilworth Centre shut its doors and the store’s signage came down.

Since then, it’s been half a year of renovations and now the store is ready to reopen as a FreshCo, which will happen at 8 am on Thursday.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Also under the Sobey banner, FreshCo is the company’s discount supermarket chain, promising to offer locally-sourced products and competitive prices for the Kelowna community.

The Kelowna location is one of six across British Columbia that made the same transition from a Safeway into a FreshCo over the last few months.

"At FreshCo, we are committed to providing our customers the freshest foods at a price that can’t be beat,” said a statement from Sobeys.

“Our customers have access to fresh food items and produce, while also offering a variety of multicultural foods. FreshCo’s low prices and diverse product offering will help customers in our communities make every dollar count.”

Photo Credit: Contributed

The Kelowna location is locally owned by Greg Frederick, a long-time Sobeys employee, and he's got a team of 141 employees.

As it’s opening in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, the store will be following provincial government health standards that includes staff at the door, markers on the floors, enhanced cleaning policies and more.

After opening at 8 am on Thursday, May 7, FreshCo will implement a seniors’ shopping hour from 7 am until 8 am each day, starting on Friday, May 8.

The store also recently announced that it has made a $2,500 donation to the Central Okanagan Food Bank.

Photo Credit: Maxine DeHart