Schnuck Markets Inc. plans to open its store in Warrenton this fall, bringing with it a boost to the local economy, company officials said.The 37,000-square-foot Schnucks store will add 71 jobs to the local economy, according to officials.The store, which is already under construction on Veterans Memorial Parkway just west of Highway 47, will be Schnucks’ first Warrenton location.“The loyalty of Warren County residents who shop at our other metro Schnucks stores made this an easy decision for us,” said Schnucks Chairman and CEO Todd Schnuck. “Warrenton residents have long asked for a Schnucks in their community and we’re excited to be able to answer their call.”The small-format store will allow customers to quickly navigate the store, while also placing a heavy emphasis on fresh departments.“The Warrenton store will offer customers the convenience of getting in and out of the store quickly, without compromising on our goal of being ‘best in fresh,’ ” said Schnuck. “The store will focus on an extensive selection of bakery, produce, seafood and meat offerings, including in-store cut meat, all offered at competitive prices.”Schnucks Warrenton will anchor Bent Oak Plaza, which includes an additional 7 acres of land that Schnucks is currently marketing for commercial use.The plaza’s name, Bent Oak Plaza, recognizes the sole tree remaining on the property — a bent oak tree that experts say is likely a Native American trail marker from hundreds of years ago.The tree is in poor condition, but Schnucks is working with an arborist in an effort to save the historic tree.

Schnucks Markets is building a store with retail space on Veterans Memorial Parkway, just west of Highway 47. When it opens this fall, it will be called Bent Oak Plaza, in honor of a bent oak tree that experts say is likely a Native American trail marker from hundreds of years ago. In this photo, taken May 1, the tree is on the right. 

Record photo/Kate Miller