Foodworks to open in Grantville at old Mitre 10 building

Grantville’s soon-to-be independent grocer has been swapped for a supermarket giant — and the businessman behind the move says it will be a step forward for the region.

James McConvill has signed a deal with Foodworks.

A Grantville businessman is bringing supermarket giant Foodworks to town in what is expected to be a giant step forward for the region.

James McConvill had originally planned to open The Grantville Grocer at the old Mitre 10 building on Bass Highway.

But now he’s teamed up with a supermarket chain that he says will better serve the community.

“It’s an exciting time that I didn’t think would be possible at this stage,” Mr McConvill said.

“It’s become a lot bigger than I originally intended so I had to go back and look at my finances.”

Mr McConvill said he had put a lot of time and effort into The Grantville Grocer brand including $50,000 in marketing.

“But after weighing it up, this is better long-term,” he said.

“It would have been better not to spend that amount of money but I think it was necessary to get to this stage.”

Mr McConvill said he was pleased Foodworks saw potential in the idea after he approached the supermarket giant in May.

The Grantville Grocer sign will be replaced by Foodworks.

“Foodworks management had been really supportive in helping me make sure it’s a proper functioning supermarket,” he said.

“They could visually see what I was trying to achieve.”

As well as fresh produce, the site will still feature a cafe and beer garden that will be separate from Foodworks.

Mr McConvill also hopes to open a post office and drive-through bottle shop to entice customers after it was announced a Ritchies could be opening across the road.

The Corinella resident and lawyer said he was a “little bit” worried about the competition but was confident his business would be a hit.

Ritchies chief executive officer Fred Harrison said plans for the 1531- 1545 Bass Highway site haven’t been finalised.

“We are in strong discussions with the developer, but at this point in time, nothing final has been signed off,” he said.

“We remain hopeful.”

The proposal, which includes a cafe, retail spaces, medical centre, pharmacy and service station, received full support from Bass Coast Shire councillors this year.

Foodworks is set to open by the end of the year.

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