Doug Sprankle, who will be the owner of what will be the Saxonburg Sprankle's Neighborhood Market, gives the Butler Eagle a tour of the West Water Street building on Friday May 8, 2020.The location was originally a Friedman's Freshmarket property has sat idle since January 2018, when it was closed by the owner.

A new grocery store in Saxonburg should be ready for customers on the 4th of July.

Doug Sprankle of Sprankle's Neighborhood Market said his goal is to open the full-service grocery store at the former Friedman's Freshmarket on West Water Street on Independence Day.

The entire store is being remodeled and a roomier, more modern feel will greet shoppers, said Sprankle, who received the keys to the 23,000-square-foot building Thursday.

The Sprankle family owns stores in Leechburg and Kittanning, both in Armstrong County.

Doug Sprankle said the family is about providing a pleasant and fun shopping experience for customers while offering top-quality products.

A grand opening celebration, Sprankle said, will include bands, a local brewer, pizza by the store's vendor, fundraising booths manned by local organizations and local vendors.

Sprankle plans to hire 43 full- and part-time employees, many of whom he assumes will be former Friedman's workers.

He said other than the replacement of a few ceiling and floor tiles, the building is in good shape.

"I want to serve and make the community proud," Sprankle said.