Crowd gathers at sunrise as Dollar General Market opens in Butler City
BUTLER — A line of shoppers wrapped around a newly renovated South Main Street storefront before sunrise Saturday, Nov. 15, as Butler city residents welcomed the return of a long-awaited grocery option.
The new Dollar General Market, located in the former Rite Aid building at 139 S. Main St., officially opened its doors with a ribbon cutting. Local leaders and company representatives said the store marks a significant step toward improving access to fresh produce and meat within the city limits.
“This changes a lot. We’re not a complete food desert now,” Mayor Bob Dandoy said, noting that many city residents with limited or no transportation stand to benefit.
Residents who gathered Saturday described the opening as a meaningful boost for people who have lacked a nearby place to buy essential, self-sustaining items.
For Butler resident Bobbie Wolfe, the grand opening wasn’t on the day’s agenda. But a quick stop turned into a pleasant surprise as she explored the aisles for the first time.
“I think this is wonderful for the community, especially for the older people that live in town,” she said. “There’s elderly living in high-rises right around this block, so I think it’s wonderful for them because they’re the ones that need the help.”
The first 50 adult customers received $10 gift cards during the celebration, and tote bags were handed out while supplies lasted.
Shoppers quickly moved through the store to check out the expanded selection that sets the DG Market format apart from a standard Dollar General, including produce, meat and a larger grocery section.
“It’s super nice and clean here,” said Patty Double as she browsed the shelves. “I think this will be really great and give people a place to shop downtown.”
Dollar General management said the turnout mirrored residents’ requests for a convenient, affordable place to buy groceries and essentials.
“Now we can serve our customers with this store that comes with the produce and with the meat,” said Pat Costa, Dollar General district manager for Butler. “It’s what the community needs, and it’s going to be huge for the Butler area.”
Dandoy said the addition could help attract more retailers and specialty shops to Main Street, an area officials wanted to revitalize in recent years.
“With what we have in store for the downtown area with renovations, sidewalks and other improvements, it’s really going to be a nice place to own a business,” Dandoy said. “We’re also trying to increase traffic with all the different entertainment things we have. All of these things are showing that we’re turning a corner and are on the right trajectory to have this be a great downtown area.”
The store is now open seven days a week. Normal hours can be found on the Dollar General app.
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Butler residents line up outside of the new DG Market in downtown Butler before its grand opening and ribbon cutting, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Butler residents line up outside of the new DG Market in downtown Butler before its grand opening and ribbon cutting, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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DG Markets grand opening and ribbon cutting in downtown Butler featured coupon giveaways for the first groups of costumers to visit the market as well as tents for Monster and Tostitos, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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DG Markets grand opening and ribbon cutting in downtown Butler featured coupon giveaways for the first groups of costumers to visit the market as well as tents for Monster and Tostitos, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Costumers enter the new DG Market in downtown Butler during its grand opening, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Costumers enter the new DG Market in downtown Butler during its grand opening, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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A costumer shops at the new DG Market in downtown Butler during its grand opening, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Rosanne Natili with Butler Downtown and Jimmy Chiprean with Miller's Shoes attend the DG Market grand opening, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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Customers and community members visit the DG Market in downtown Butler for its grand opening, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
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From left, RCI Construction Executive Director of Operations Brian Dodd and CEO Burt Negrin stand outside of the DG Market in downtown Butler during its grand opening, Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. RCI Construction was responsible for the building of the market. Matthew Brown/Butler Eagle
