East Chattanooga, which once was served by four grocery stores before becoming a "food desert," will be getting a Save-A-Lot.
Chaudry Ali, who operates Rogers Super Market on Main Street, said East Chattanooga and city officials have been urging him to expand to that community.
He is currently renovating the former Sunny Town Market at 2300 Dodson Ave. The building has been vacant for a number of years.
Mr. Ali, who has lived in Chattanooga for 14 years, said he is spending over $2 million in a total renovation.
He said the building has 18,000 square feet and most will be devoted to the grocery. However, he said an area will be left for community gatherings and for a small restaurant.
City Councilwoman Demetrus Coonrod is among those who had been urging Mr. Ali to open the grocery in the under-served district.
The last full-service grocery in East Chattanooga had closed in 2012.