By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
HOFFMAN LAKE — There is officially one less food desert in Indiana, thanks to the arrival of a new Dollar General store midway between Etna Green and Atwood at County Road 800 West.
The store’s grand opening arrived at 8 a.m. Saturday, when more than 20 people stood in line and were the first to receive $10 gift cards made available tgo the first 50 customers.
Mindy Kinsey and her husband, Jeff, were among the first in line.
“It’s a really big deal not to have to go to Warsaw. I can go across the highway, and I’m at Dollar General to get my groceries,” Kinsey said while waiting in line.
She remembers it didn’t used to be that way.
“There used to be that Mini Mart in Etna Green and a grocery store in Atwood,” she said.
But that’s been at least two decades ago.
To clarify, the new store does not have fresh meat or produce, but it does have all the basic food items and much more, plus a large selection of pet food.
The store occupies more than 10,000 square feet.
Store manager Shane Beliles, a resident of Mentone, said the location offers convenience to a lot of nearby residents.
“I think this location is a fantastic location with Etna Green, Atwood, and Hoffman Lake. A lot of the local Amish pass through here, and it’s right next to US 30,” Beliles said.
Store hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
