Menards to open in 2023, faces supply chain issues

Feb. 15—Menards Home Improvement has once again pushed back their date for when they will arrive in Richmond.

According to City Manager Rob Minerich, who was recently in touch with officials with headquarters, the home improvement chain's Richmond location has an expected opening date of 2023.

Two weeks ago, Minerich spoke with General Manager of Construction Jim Carlson who said, originally the store was on schedule to be built in 2022, but because of supply chain issues, it will take place in 2023.

"They have assured me that they are going to build that store," he said. "I know that has been a long time coming."

Minerich called the company originally in reference to the big mound of dirt near Walgreen's, which is often jokingly referred to as "Mount Menard" by the public. The city manager said he was trying to arrange a deal with the company in which the mound of dirt could be used as filler.

Originally, the Menards project was approved by the Richmond City Commission in 2016.

Work began to progress throughout 2017, but seemingly halted after a fatal accident during ditch work in December 2017.

In a previous statement in April 2020, Jeff Abbott, Menards spokesperson said he hoped the project would be finished by the summer of 2020, but did not know "with all that was going on," in reference to COVID-19 and access to supplies, if that date was likely.

In other project developments, Minerich reported the burger and custard restaurant Freddy's, which announced their coming to Richmond in May, will be opening soon.

The city manager reported this store has also had trouble with supply chain issues. This business took the location of the former Applebee's on the Eastern Bypass.

Finally, Buc cee's Travel Center is scheduled to open with a definitive date of April 18.