SAXONBURG — The new Sprankle's Neighborhood Market on West Water Street was supposed to be open only until 3 p.m. Saturday.

But customers were still popping in to browse shelves and counters and freezers when the clock struck 3 p.m. And owner Doug Sprankle didn't want to let the sliding doors close on anyone.

“We want to be a positive member of the community,” Sprankle said. “Participate. Lean in.”

Sprankle, who lives in Leechburg, is continuing a tradition of Sprankle's stores in his family. The Saxonburg location joins Sprankle's markets in Leechburg and Kittanning in Armstrong County.

On the Fourth of July, he led a crew of 43 or 44 employees, friends and family members in launching a new grocery location in the former Friedman's Freshmarket store. Sprankle estimates the grocery saw more than 1,000 new customers on Saturday.

“(That's) super exciting,” Sprankle said. “The crew did well.”

Several customers think so, too. Carole Goldinger is a Saxonburg resident of three years who returned to town in time for the opening.

“I just came back from vacation and thought, 'I need some things,' ” Goldinger said. “This is a blessing.”

Among the items that made their way into her basket were lettuce, potatoes and fruit. Goldinger said it's nice to have a grocery store in town. After Friedman's closed, she said she did most of her grocery shopping Butler or Sarver.

Having an option miles closer to home helps.

“I'm so excited,” Goldinger said. “I think everybody is.”

In time for Independence Day, Sprankle and other store officials decided to make the opening a big celebration, with a DJ and giveaways and other attractions stationed in the parking lot. A ceremony around 9 a.m. included a blessing for the store and the community.

So as not to let a year of planning go to waste, Sprankle's adjusted operations to fit pandemic regulations and social distancing practices.

“(We're) just trying to be safe,” Sprankle said. “(We're) being a good neighbor.”

Sprankle's Neighborhood Market, after all, has “neighbor” in its name.

Sprankle said many of Saturday's visitors weren't after anything in particular. They stopped by to see what was happening.

“They wanted to see what it was all about,” Sprankle said.

That was the case for Saxonburg resident Deanna Miner and her husband, Cliff Poff. The couple went into Sprankle's to see what was for sale. Miner said she ended up with a cart of purchases.

“I love it,” Miner said. “Everything is laid out nice and neat.”

Will Miner and Poff be back?

“Definitely,” Miner said.

The store began normal hours Sunday, according to Sprankle. Customers will be able to shop from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Sprankle said he's excited to be working in a rural area. The access to farms is particularly enticing, as a grocery owner.

“I'm a big food guy. I love sourcing,” Sprankle said. “We're just really proud to be a part of this community.”