MONROE, CT — Shoppers welcomed the new Aldi supermarket to town with open arms Thursday morning, filling the parking lot in the upper level of Town Line Plaza, 205 Monroe Turnpike, and joining the long line of people anxiously waiting for the manager to open its doors.
Some parked in the Panera Bread parking lot on the lower level and walked up the sidewalk to shop and the steady stream of traffic going in and out of the driveway seemed endless.
Public officials welcomed store staff. The Monroe Chamber of Commerce performed a ribbon cutting ceremony with First Selectman Terry Rooney doing the honors.
Monroe Chamber President Ray Giovanni was also in attendance, along with Economic and Community Development Director William Holsworth, State Rep. Tony Scott, R-112th, and Town Councilman Jason Maur.
History of Aldi
The Albrecht Family founded the world’s first discount grocery store in Germany in 1961, and opened its first Aldi store in Iowa 16 years later, according to its website. Today, Aldi’s headquarters is in Batavia, Ill., and the chain has grown to more than 2,000 stores across 36 states with over 25,000 employees.
Bruno Lourenco, director of real estate for Aldi, said the chain has 31 stores in Connecticut with three more planned.
Residents who spoke during the Monroe Planning and Zoning Commission hearing for Aldi raved about the store and the commission went on to unanimously approve the application last June.
All respectful comments with the commenter’s first and last name are welcome.
