The owners of the former Friedman's Freshmarket in Saxonburg says a deal is near with a new business for the 27,500-square-foot building.

SAXONBURG — While plumber's trucks and other activity have been seen at the former Friedman's Freshmarket grocery store, the building's owner still cannot divulge which business might be planning to move there.

Shawn Beichler, vice president of real estate at Alex Lee in Hickory, N.C., said his company is close to a contract with a retailer.

Beichler said on Thursday he cannot release the name of the business associated with the contract, but he expects it to be signed very soon.

Mary Papik, Saxonburg borough manager, said no permit applications have been submitted regarding the former Friedman's.

The borough has been without a grocery store since the Friedman's Freshmarket closed in January 2018.

Friedman's stores also closed in Chicora and Greater Butler Mart at that time.

Alex Lee is the parent company of Merchants Distributors Inc., also of Hickory.

MDI was Friedman's food supplier until the two companies became entwined in a lawsuit.

MDI won the suit and now owns the Saxonburg building.