Econofoods will become Payless Foods

    Econofoods in Clear Lake will close at 6 p.m. Sunday, April 1, and re-open at 7 a.m. Monday, April 2, as Payless Foods.
    Econofoods, owned by the Nash Finch Company, has been sold to Randy Goetz, of Tipton, Iowa.  Goetz owns several Nash Finch-affiliated grocery stores in Iowa, including stores in Osage, Tipton, Dyersville, Anamosa, New English and Grundy Center.

    Aside from the name change, customers will notice few changes.  Store Director George Polsdorfer and Assistant Director Angie Hines remain, as do Meat Department Manager Matt Olinger and Produce Department Manager Mark Norton.  All of the cashiers also remain on staff.
    The pharmacy in the store will continue to be owned by the Nash Finch Company, and service and staff will be unchanged.  Pharmacist Jon Secory and staff will continue to use the same processes which have been in place as Econofoods.
    “We think this is a real positive move for the store and we are excited to become Payless Foods,” said Assistant Director Angie Hines.  “There are plans to add a deli, using Chester’s Chicken® and there may be some new products added.”
    Hines added that there will be no down time as a result of the ownership change.  Store hours will be the same -- 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.  The store is located at 20 S. 4th St.
    According to its website, Family Foods was started in 1964 with the purchase of the Tipton Store. The businesses are also run under the name of Payless Foods.