What is significant about June 3, 1992? Well, that is the day that the brand new Bi-Lo opened in the Statesboro Mall.  Taking into account the fervor that our community has for its grocery stores, I thought that date might have significance for some of you.
      Now, it is 19 years later and Bi-Lo is doing a major remodeling of its 38,000 square foot store. I know this may not be exciting news for many, but any construction involving a grocery store in Statesboro automatically garners an inordinate amount of attention.
      So, get ready as the next four months will unveil changes to a mainstay of the Statesboro Mall.
      "All of the work is going to be done at night," said Statesboro Bi-Lo store director Teresa McElveen. "Look for expansion in frozen foods, upgrades in all fresh departments - produce, deli, bakery, meat, and floral. We will also be expanding our organic, gluten free, and specialty foods section. Braswells will also have a section dedicated to its products in a more prominent place."
      McElveen said the produce department would be rearranged and new display cabinets introduced. There will be another freezer case installed, and the entire store would be repainted. In addition to the updated décor and fixtures, new restroom facilities will be constructed.
      "All of the work is being done at night, so as not to interfere with busy shopping times in the store," she said. "Towards the end of the project, some of the work may be done during the day, but we are hoping that it will only be a minimal inconvenience, if any."
      As you might have guessed, this Bi-Lo is a good producer for the chain.
      "The week before school started here, our store sales were 12th in the chain overall," she said. "We are very proud of that considering there are over 200 stores in operation."
      Bi-Lo was founded in 1961, when former Winn-Dixie executive Frank Outlaw purchased a small chain of food stores with a singular vision: to create a supermarket where shoppers could buy national brands for less. Headquartered in Mauldin, S.C., Bi-Lo operates 207 supermarkets in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee, employing approximately 15,100 people.
      Lone Star Funds bought Bi-Lo LLC in 2005 from Royal Ahold NV, a Netherlands-based supermarket operator. Bi-Lo LLC emerged from Chapter 11 reorganization in May 2010.
      So, until next Tuesday, I bid you au revoir.
      Got a scoop for Jan? Call (912) 489-9463; email jmoore@statesboroherald.com