Zup’s Food Markets purchases Ely Shopko building
Dec 03, 2020 09:42AM ● By Editor
Photo: Ely Echo
From the Ely Echo - December 2, 2020
The vacant Ely Shopko building will have a new owner following the purchase Monday by Zup’s Food Markets. Shopko closed its Ely store in June of 2019 as part of a company-wide bankruptcy. The building has been empty since that time.
Jim Zupancich Jr. confirmed the purchase Wednesday.
“We have purchased the building and we’re looking at a future expansion to that location. We plan to work with the City of Ely and the IRRRB to bring our world-class sausage facility to the building,” said Zupancich. “We’d like to thank Senator Tom Bakk, Representative Rob Ecklund, St. Louis County Commissioner Paul McDonald and IRR Commissioner Mark Phillips for working with us on this.”
The goal is for Zup’s to move into the Shopko building by September of 2021.
“We’re moving slowly and looking at all options for that space. This includes dry goods such has sheets, bedding, socks and underwear. We want to be able to provide items that Shopko did carry and make it convenient for people to shop locally,” said Zupancich.
Zupancich Brothers Inc. owns stores in Ely, Babbitt, Tower, Silver Bay and Cook.
“When we go to that building we want to make sure we have everything ready to go. We have contacted different companies including banks and pharmacies to see what would work in that space,” said Zupancich. “As for our current building, no commitments have been made to purchase it but we have had several interested parties.”
The 32,000 square foot facility on Ely’s east end is much larger than Zup’s current store which is 17,000 square feet and was built in 1983.
“We’re doing what we can to make this move a good one for our community,” said Zupancich.
From the Ely Echo - December 2, 2020
The vacant Ely Shopko building will have a new owner following the purchase Monday by Zup’s Food Markets. Shopko closed its Ely store in June of 2019 as part of a company-wide bankruptcy. The building has been empty since that time.
Jim Zupancich Jr. confirmed the purchase Wednesday.
“We have purchased the building and we’re looking at a future expansion to that location. We plan to work with the City of Ely and the IRRRB to bring our world-class sausage facility to the building,” said Zupancich. “We’d like to thank Senator Tom Bakk, Representative Rob Ecklund, St. Louis County Commissioner Paul McDonald and IRR Commissioner Mark Phillips for working with us on this.”
The goal is for Zup’s to move into the Shopko building by September of 2021.
“We’re moving slowly and looking at all options for that space. This includes dry goods such has sheets, bedding, socks and underwear. We want to be able to provide items that Shopko did carry and make it convenient for people to shop locally,” said Zupancich.
Zupancich Brothers Inc. owns stores in Ely, Babbitt, Tower, Silver Bay and Cook.
“When we go to that building we want to make sure we have everything ready to go. We have contacted different companies including banks and pharmacies to see what would work in that space,” said Zupancich. “As for our current building, no commitments have been made to purchase it but we have had several interested parties.”
The 32,000 square foot facility on Ely’s east end is much larger than Zup’s current store which is 17,000 square feet and was built in 1983.
“We’re doing what we can to make this move a good one for our community,” said Zupancich.
