Red X owner, managers and employees, Riverside mayor, Riverside City Council members, dignitaries and others to participate in ceremony marking a new chapter in the community icon’s future.
Riverside, Mo. (November 15, 2021)—On November 30, 2021 at 11:30 a.m., Riverside Red X staff, community officials and the public will gather to officially break ground for the site of the new store, marking a new chapter in Red X’s 73 years in business. The new 59,000 square foot “store to explore” will be built on the southeast corner of the current location and is set for completion in November of 2022.
“What started as a store remodel expanded in scope and cost, and eventually turned into a brand-new store,” says Jen Boyd, Riverside Red X vice president and granddaughter of founder, Ed Young. “We’re still finalizing the plans, but the new Red X will incorporate our history in the community. Our iconic collection of curious antiques and eclectic artifacts has been our design focus. We’ll share the details as they become available, and it’s business as usual during construction with the same great Red X team members, store hours, parking, entrances, deli, selection of groceries, wine, beers, spirits and more.”
Riverside Red X opened in 1948, since surviving three floods and a fire. The current store was constructed in the mid 1950s after the fire. Boyd explains, “Our first priorities are remaining open and limiting disruptions for our customers. Those along with the cost of remodeling an aging building with lots of unknowns made the decision to build versus remodel for us. This is an opportunity for us to upgrade to more energy-efficient appliances and lighting. Grandpa [Ed Young] had plans for new store when he passed away in 1999, so this was part of the master plan.” Once the new store is complete, the old building will be demolished.
The new store’s design includes better flow, with grocery, lottery and cigarettes to the left of the main entrance. The liquor department can be accessed through the main grocery entrance but also has a separate entrance for an even easier shopping experience for customers.
“The new store will have everything our customers know and love, and we’re excited to bring in new offerings,” says Zeke Young, Riverside Red X president and owner, and Ed Young’s son. “It’s only because of our customers that we’re able to remain a cornerstone in our community. We look at this new store as a way to give them the shopping ‘Xperience’ they deserve. Some things new in ’22 to look forward to are a high-end liquor room, a dedicated ‘Filling Station’ for hosting events and samplings that opens to an outdoor area, expanded produce and frozen sections, a humidor, full-service deli and meat counter, bakery, plus adding a drive-thru for Phillip’s Family Pharmacy.”
Like before, symbols of Red X’s history in the community and antiques will be woven throughout the store. Currently, the Red X team is sorting through the collectibles and antiques, determining how and where to place them for the ultimate “Xperience.” Young says, “We also have some antiques that will be new to the public. We want to make sure that what we display tells the history of store and community, as well as showcase some fun ones and others simply sentimental to our family and community.”
The giant Red X, a Riverside landmark, is undergoing a facelift. Once it receives its new paint job and upgrade to LED lighting, it will be reinstalled on the current store before moving to its front and center location on the new building.
“We love Riverside. It’s in our blood. Grandpa played a significant role in Riverside and this community meant so much to him. It’s our family legacy to continue the relationship and to provide jobs in the community, quality groceries and produce. Grandpa would have done this,” says Boyd.
The new Riverside Red X is being constructed by Crossland Construction Company, Inc., with BRR Architecture providing architectural services. Briarcliff Development Company is providing development services and Associated Wholesale Grocers contributing store design concepts and retail business solutions. The new store is scheduled to open in November 2022.
About Riverside Red X
For generations, Red X has been the store to explore and discover. Since 1948, they have provided jobs for our family of employees and a place for their customers to get the value they need and service they deserve. Price, selection, and living history is why generation after generation shops Red X for groceries, wines, beer, and spirits. Red X is located at 2401 NW Platte Road in Riverside, MO. Visit https://www.riversideredx.com for more information.