The market for supermarkets in Baton Rouge will be expanding soon.
Donny Rouse, whose grandfather opened the first Rouses Market 50 years ago, said the local grocery chain plans to open its first Baton Rouge locations next year.
There are currently 39 Rouses stores in New Orleans, Lafayette, Slidell, Mississippi and surrounding regions.
“We see Baton Rouge as a place we need to be,” said Rouse, a managing partner. “We feel we can make the Baton Rouge community happy with the new and better shopping experience than they currently have.”
Rouse said he has no specific locations in mind, but the chain plans to open multiple stores in Prairieville, Gonzales and along the I-10 corridor.
“We’re just looking at the whole market to try to find the right location for us,” Rouse said.
The Thibodaux-based supermarket remains loyal to the local economy, which is what Rouse said will set it apart from other grocery chains already in the Baton Rouge area.
Rouses supports local fishers and farmers since it’s a Louisiana brand, Rouse said.
“We’re excited to start working and moving forward to move to Baton Rouge,” he said.
Rouse said Baton Rouge residents have voiced a demand for the market to open in the capital city.
Morgan Merriman, elementary education sophomore, said she’s looking forward to seeing Rouses in Baton Rouge.
“It’s probably more expensive, but I feel like it’s worth it because I know what I’m eating is fresh,” she said.
Merriman said she’s a fan of the supermarket because it allows customers to stay and enjoy lunch.
 
 
—-
Contact Emily Herrington at [email protected]