DeKalb grocery shoppers will have a new store to fulfill their shopping needs starting Wednesday.

Sullivan’s Foods will open at the old Eagle’s, 1401 S. Fourth St., near DeKalb High School.

The 45,000 square-foot store has received a Class D liquor license from the city of DeKalb, said Kathy Christensen, a spokeswoman for Sullivan’s.

DeKalb Mayor Greg Sparrow said he originally had concerns about the legality of a store selling alcohol so close to a school.

However, the state of Illinois allows liquor sales near schools as long as the majority of the store’s sales are not from alcohol, he said.

Aside from beer and liquor, the store also will sell traditional grocery items at the store, Christensen said.

“One of the strong points within our organization is our meat departments,” she said.

The grand opening will be marked by several hot ad items that Christensen declined to identify.

Sullivan’s first flier will advertise discounted prices on bakery and deli items. Sullivan’s ad dates run Wednesday through Tuesday.

The DeKalb location, open from 6 a.m. to midnight, has hired about 110 people so far, Christensen said.

The chain, operating since 1966, serves northern Illinois, operating 11 grocery stores and two Save-A-Lot stores, Christensen said.

David Glass, chairman of the executive committee of Wal-Mart’s board of directors, said Wal-Mart often has dealt with competition through continuous improvement of the company.

“Our first Supercenter in Washington, Mo. wasn’t as sharp as the competition when it came to food. But we learned from our competitors,” Glass said.

Jewel was not available for comment.

Grand opening

What: Sullivan’s Foods grand opening

When: Nov. 17

Where: 1401 S. Fourth St.