With the installation of a new roof complete, Northside Grocery is on track to reopen by Labor Day, according to Russellville businessman Jim Sibley, who bought the property last year.
The iconic business, located on Waterloo Road, used to be a fixture for students and staff at Russellville City Schools.
The store/gas station has been closed since the building was heavily damaged by fire in the fall of 2022. The former owner took no action to repair the building or property, and in March 2023, City of Russellville Fire Marshal Justin Green spoke with the owner, who said he was going to sell the property instead of repairing it.
Sibley said he's experienced some delays with the previous contractor, but a new crew is working on the property and he hopes renovations will be complete in August. Sibley said the pumps, gas tanks and canopy are ready.
Northside Grocery will operate as an independent station, and will not be a Chevron affiliate, as most of Sibley's properties are.
Sibley plans to lease or sell the business. He will retain the fuel supplying through Sibley Oil Company.
While he considered opening the business and running it himself, Sibley decided the best plan was to lease or sell it and said he's been in discussion with multiple interested parties. Sibley expects to have a deal in place some time next month, whether it be a lease or sale.
The 2022 fire caused extensive damage to the building's interior. Investigation by local fire department officials indicated the origin of the fire appeared to be an electrical accident, possibly in the break room or bathroom.
Northside Grocery has been a part of Russellville for more than 80 years, and that was a large reason why Sibley decided to purchase it.
“It's a long-standing, viable location that the people of this community have supported in the past, and will support again once it's open,” Sibley said. “It's been an expensive, lengthy process to renovate and reopen, but it's worth it to preserve a part of the history of this city and to continue the tradition of Northside Grocery.”
