Schnucks officially opened its doors in DeKalb Tuesday morning – to shoppers and to picketers.

While dozens of eager shoppers looked on and union picketers stood outside, DeKalb Mayor Frank Van Buer and store manager Dave Sherman cut the ribbon around 9:15 a.m. after a quick rendition of “America the Beautiful.”

Schnucks’ president Todd Schnuck felt the reception was positive.

“Any time we open, it’s like reaching a finish line, it’s a milestone,” said Schnuck, the fourth generation of Schnucks to run the family business. “There are a lot of interested customers here, which is good for the first day. We just want to make sure they come back again.”

This is the 103rd Schnucks store to be open, many others are based in the St. Louis, Mo. area.

Lori Willis, director of communications for Schnucks, noted the company’s rapport with its customers.

“We’re a family company, which allows us to listen to the customers and to provide them with what they need and want. We’ve got very diverse choices – you can’t find 15 types of green beans in any other store,” Willis said. “We also always look forward to the student shoppers, who can always provide us with input.”

While shoppers milled around the aisles, several picketers stood at the store’s main entrance on Annie Glidden Road, holding signs denouncing Schnucks.

“They’ve got union stores all over the state, and they decide to open this one non-union,” said Terry DeVito, organizing director and vice president of United Food & Commercial Workers International Union’s Local 1546. “But now, they’re bringing union workers in from their Janesville store to work here, giving them time and a half.”

In response, Schnuck explained the company’s situation.

“The majority of our stores outside of St. Louis aren’t union,” Schnuck said. “And the Janesville situation doesn’t sound relevant, other than the fact that we sometimes bring other, more seasoned employees to help out during the busy, opening week.”

DeKalb resident Bob Hagelstein had the morning off work and decided to be one of the first inside Schnucks.

“I had a free morning, so I decided to check it out. I didn’t expect this kind of turnout,” Hagelstein said. “It looks good for the first day, but the real test will be how quickly you can get through the checkout.”

Another shopper, Mary Benbow of DeKalb, was impressed with the new store.

“It’s close to home, it’s got good variety and lots of people around to help,” Benbow said. “I will be returning, especially if they’re having more promotional sales.”

Two NIU students and Sigma Nu members, sophomore journalism major Drew Creal and sophomore engineering major Matt DiCianni, manned the early shift of Salvation Army’s donation kettle.

“We’ve had a relationship with the Salvation Army for a while,” Creal said. “Sigma Nu will be here all day.”

Schnucks is planning to match whatever amount shoppers donate, hoping to reach $5,000.