DANVILLE — When Don Leo’s owner Leo Dueck opened his bulk foods, deli and produce store in 2017, the goal was to expand in 10 years if things went well.
Things certainly have gone well for the local business owner as Dueck plans to purchase the Danville Hometown Market building, at 14800 Millersburg Road, a year ahead of his goal in mid February.
“We will basically add to our current business. We will add a wider line, but it will still be a bulk food store with a produce market and the fresh and frozen meats,” Dueck said.
“It’ll be Don Leo’s on steroids.”
While the two sides have not signed official papers yet and have not set a final sale price, Dueck estimates to purchase the building and other assets for around $500,000.
Dueck said, in a perfect world, he plans to move the business in May or June after he completes remodeling in the Hometown Market building, but there is no deadline.
Don Leo’s will not operate two locations.
The current location at 3 N. Market Street will go up for rent or for sale “at the right price” once the move to the new building is fully complete, Dueck added.
Rumors have swirled online whether or not Don Leo’s was also purchasing the IGA in Mount Vernon.
Dueck said he is not purchasing the IGA, he is just purchasing the Danville Hometown Market location.
Danville Hometown Market closed its doors this past December, but a Hometown Market location in Centerburg will remain operational, according to Dueck.
Dueck’s plans for the new location
As for what customers can expect the new Don Leo’s location to look like, Dueck said he has a number of things planned.
“Probably some porches to better display our produce lines like the flowers, the hanging baskets, the mums, the pumpkins — the seasonal items will be on display outside,” he said.
“We plan to add on to the current building down there and do a little bit of a new look inside. We’ll work inside and outside to adapt a little bit more to our line of business.”
In terms of product expansion, Dueck said the bulk foods section and spices will see a little growth.
However, most of the business’s expansion will come in the deli and frozen food sections, he said.
Dueck wasn’t totally sure whether or not he’d be able to take on former Danville Hometown Market employees as there are several things to hash out first.
“At this point I have told [former Danville Hometown Market employees] it is an unknown because of the remodel,” the business owner said.
“It involves construction, an architect, the state, the health department. There are too many unknowns and I simply don’t have an opening date for that building.”
The local market owner is looking forward to a larger parking area, a better floor plan and more space in general for customers.
“It’s just been a tremendous journey with the local support from even Mount Vernon, Apple Valley and all the surrounding areas; the support has been phenomenal,” Dueck said.