Tim Landis
The State Journal-Register
Discount chain Dollar General has opened on a piece of the former Esquire Theatre site in Springfield, and discount grocer Ruler Foods could be close behind. Monday’s opening of the Dollar General on a section of the old theater parking lot brings the number of stores in the city to 10, according to company figures.
Dollar General spokesman Dan MacDonald said in an email Tuesday the store at 1508 MacArthur Blvd. is similar in size to other new stores in the market and has six to 10 employees. The store also reflects the new Dollar General layout.
“It has more cooler doors, 24, and is an enhanced layout — wider, brighter aisles, easier checkout,” MacDonald said in the email.
The Dollar General development agreement features landscaping that exceeds minimum city requirements. Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin, whose ward includes the Esquire site, said a similar agreement would be sought with Ruler Foods. “We’re encouraging them to make a positive impact on the boulevard with their landscaping,” said McMenamin.
McMenamin said Ruler Foods, a discount brand of the Kroger supermarket chain, has asked for modifications to an alley as part of the construction. Ruler plans to build on the site of the former theater building that was demolished in 2015.
Phil Spengler, a commercial real estate specialist representing the site owner, said Ruler Foods still has a contract to purchase the property. He added that an agreement on alley access was among the final steps before construction. There were two unsuccessful efforts to build on the Esquire site since the theater shut down in 2003, including a used-car dealership and a retail strip center.
“It’s a lot better than having an empty lot there. Maybe a little more subtle sign would have been nice,” said Monique Polk, owner of the nearby Studio on State styling salon, 1340 S. State St.
Joe McMenamin for Ward 7 