Following months of construction and renovation, the new Grocery Outlet in downtown Kingston opened its doors to the public Oct. 12, offering the community another food market option.

Customers packed the store just after the 8 a.m. opening, with staff on hand to greet them, and even a DJ playing tunes. An official grand opening was held at 10 a.m.

“There’s extreme excitement in the community, and we’re happy to see that,” said John Voorhees, the store’s independent operator. “The store has come together rather nicely and everything filled in like we hoped it would. The staff can’t wait to show everyone what they’ve done.”

Founded in 1946, Grocery Outlet is a grocery retailer based in Emeryville, CA, known for offering big savings on brand-name products, a news release states. The company has more than 450 locations throughout the West Coast states, along with Idaho and Nevada, and in the East in Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Stores are owned by independent operators based in the communities they serve.

The supermarket offers a full range of products including fresh produce, meat, deli and dairy, along with an assortment of natural and organic choices, per the release. Grocery Outlet also carries a large selection of beer and wine, and health and beauty care, as well as seasonal items.

“I think our pricing gives us a big advantage over most,” Voorhees said. “We have a different and wider selection I think. We’re going to be carrying stuff that isn’t available at other grocery stores. I think we’re just going to give them something a little different to look at.”

The Kingston location is staffed at up to 36 positions, but Voorhees said they could hire more if sales increase. Store hours are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

At the opening, a $1,000 donation was presented on behalf of Voorhees to the Boys & Girls Club of North Kitsap, and $1,000 to The Coffee Oasis, a local nonprofit organization. Additionally, the first 100 customers received a Grocery Outlet Bliss Buck gift card in mystery amounts ranging from $5 to $500. Shoppers also received a free limited-edition reusable bag, while supplies lasted.

Through Nov. 9, customers can enter for a chance to win $1,000 in groceries. To enter, go to groceryoutlet.com/win-groceries-kingston.

The produce section was full during the morning of the store’s opening.

Checkout stands were packed on the morning of Grocery Outlet’s opening.