There has been plenty of excitement locally Rouse’s announced it would be coming to New Iberia, but CEO Donny Rouse says the company is just as excited about the move. 

“We looked at the New Iberia market years ago and couldn’t make it happen,” Rouse said Tuesday. “We moved on and then eventually circled around back to it, yeah it’s exciting.” 

In fact, Rouse said the company has wanted to bring a Rouse’s to town since 2007. The opening would have been Rouse’s first expansion to the Acadiana area, but after being unable to secure a site, it eventually moved on to Youngsville and continued growing throughout the south. 

The business will be located at the site of the old K-Mart on Admiral Doyle Drive. After months of construction and speculation, owner of the building Seritage Growth Properties confirmed last week that the building would be restructured to accommodate a Rouse’s Market, as well as a Hobby Lobby. 

Rouse said the site of the Rouse’s was perfect for what it should entail. 

“It’s a great building, we’re expecting to bring about 150 jobs to the area total,” he said. 

Local reception to the new store, Rouse said, has been overwhelming. Rouse said he’s received several phone calls and e-mails from local residents expressing their excitement and support about the project. 

But there has been some concern locally about whether New Iberia needs another market. Rouse said the community support that the company brings is the defining factor in distinguishing Rouse’s from competitors. 

“We’re from Louisiana, we design our stores for each community, we want to give our customers what they want to eat and we’re a big supporter of community events,” he said. “We’re part of the community. “

The Thibodaux-based company began in 1960, and was started by Rouse’s grandfather Anthony Rouse Sr., and has grown to be one of the largest independent supermarkets in the country. 

The company has 6,300 employees and 56 stores, 47 of which are located in Louisiana. 

The New Iberia location is expected to have its opening in early 2019 around February, Rouse said.