St. Louis-based Schnuck Markets, Inc. plans to open a second Schnucks store to serve the residents of Peoria, Illinois, and the surrounding area. The new 70,000-square foot, full-service grocery and pharmacy will be built at the northwest corner of Knoxville and Alta Roads in north Peoria. This location will feature service a sushi bar, a service deli with sliced-to-order specialties including Boar’s Head meats and cheeses, a floral department, a fresh bakery, specialty cheese section and extensive prepared foods in addition to traditional grocery departments.

Construction on the site begins in spring 2016 with the store and pharmacy scheduled to open prior to the 2016 holiday season.

David Fontana, Schnucks vice president of real estate, says the new store will employ approximately 150 teammates, anchoring a shopping center with additional retail space and outparcels available.

“We are pleased to be able to serve even more residents in the Peoria area,” Fontana said. “We have a great customer base at our University Street store and look forward to bringing our unique combination of quality products, service, value and variety to customers at our new north Peoria location.”

The current Peoria Schnucks store, located at 4800 University Street, opened in November 1999. Earlier that same year, Schnucks opened its nearby Pekin location when the company bought Mr. K’s Super Saver.