Recovery Spotlight: Market Basket

by Angie Kay Dilmore

Market Basket supermarkets are legendary in Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas. Beginning in 1961 with the first store in Nederland, Tx. and now with 30 locations, Market Basket has been stocking the kitchens of these communities for 61 years. 

When Hurricanes Laura and Delta barreled through SWLA in August 2020, seven stores in the region took a devastating hit. At the Nelson Rd. location, the entire roof of the store blew off, allowing water to pour in and saturate the entire contents of the store. Over the past 18 months, Market Basket management has worked earnestly to get these stores re-built and re-opened to once again serve the people who have supported the business all these years. The greatest hurdle they encountered was difficulty procuring equipment such as coolers, A/C units, and shelving due to the COVID-19 supply chain issues, but they persevered and are slowly but surely getting all damaged stores back open and operational. 

The Vinton store was the first to re-open in March 2021, followed by Lake St. in Lake Charles, 3rd Ave. in Lake Charles, and most recently, Nelson Rd., Lake Charles. Customers will discover a larger store (they expanded the size by 2,400 sq. ft.), new décor, brighter lighting, and an improved bakery/deli and smokehouse (as if the boudin could get any better!) Next up, Ryan St., Moss Bluff, and DeQuincy! 

“We are very excited to finally re-open all Lake Charles area locations to fully serve our friends in Southwest Louisiana,” says Skylar Thompson, Market Basket President.