Brookshire Grocery Company has announced it will close its Spring Market location in Grambling on July 24. The decision follows an internal review of the store’s performance, market conditions, and long-term sustainability, according to a company statement. The store will remain open until inventory is depleted or the closing date, whichever comes first, as the company manages a wind-down sales process.
The Grambling location opened in October 2020 after Brookshire Grocery Company purchased and renovated the building. Prior to that, the site operated as Legends Market starting in June 2018. Before Legends Market opened, the city had been without a grocery store since 1983. The company stated that despite significant investment in the location, it did not achieve the performance levels required for long-term operations.
Jerry LeClair, interim CEO of Brookshire Grocery Company, described the closure as a difficult decision. He expressed gratitude for the support received from the Grambling community and emphasized the company’s commitment to remaining a strong neighbor. All employees have been offered positions at nearby stores. The company also noted that customers can redeem remaining fuel points at other Brookshire locations and that Grambling University students can use Tiger Cards at the Super 1 Foods store in Ruston.
Grambling Mayor Alvin Bradley said he and the city were blindsided by the announcement. He stated he learned of the closure via Facebook and had not received any warning from corporate office. Bradley described the news as a significant blow to the city’s progress, noting that new construction is underway nearby to house additional businesses. He mentioned that Grambling State University President Dr. Martin Lemelle Jr. was also unaware of the closure.
Bradley questioned the characterization of the store as low-performing, stating that daily observations did not reflect that assessment. He also noted reports that the company closed three or four other stores, including one in Winnfield, on the same day. The mayor expressed frustration with the manner in which the closure was handled.
