Andrea Johnson/MDN Keith Johanneson, president of Johanneson’s Inc., speaks during the “grand reopening” of Marketplace Foods at 1620 South Broadway, where a months-long remodeling project was just completed.

Marketplace Foods at 1620 South Broadway celebrated the completion of its months-long renovation project with a “grand reopening” ceremony on Wednesday.

Keith Johanneson, the owner and president of Johanneson’s Inc., said the newly remodeled store now has a whole new format which will make it unique in North Dakota, increase efficiencies, and will improve the shopping experience for customers.

He said the project, which was completed this week, included the installation of new self checkouts, which customers seem to like, as well as an enhanced produce section and new deli, an expanded bakery, a giant pet section, new liquor selection, new equipment from Germany in the meat department, new decor and new flooring and other additions that will increase efficiencies.

The company has been doing business in Minot for 31 years and owns the four Marketplace Foods stores in Minot. It also has a location in Bemidji and owns four KJ’s Fresh Market stories in Wisconsin and a KJ’s in Moose Lake, Minn. Johanneson told The Minot Daily News last fall that his company will be opening several Pet Supplies Plus in North Dakota.

Johanneson said Wednesday during a ribbon-cutting ceremony that the company will be employee-owned by August. Employees will be offered 100 percent stock ownership.

Johanneson said the grand reopening will be celebrated throughout the week with demonstrations and gift certificates given out.

He also gave back to the community by donating 2 1/2 tons of food to the Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church Food Pantry.