Local grocer growing in bad economy

NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) - A local grocery store continues to not only grow, but thrive in this difficult economy.

Dave's Marketplace opened its newest store at The Gateway at Quonset Point in North Kingstown Friday morning.

Dave's is a locally owned and operated grocer that started as a fruit stand but now has eight stores, and employs more than 800 Rhode Islanders.

"It's a great opportunity for everybody you know the way the environment is today and the economy. We're glad to be opening another store," says owner Dave Cesario.

The company says it is a firm believer in supporting local businesses and hiring local workers.

"There is a variety of everything in the store to choose from. It's a quaint store," says resident Vicki Moore.

Dave's Quonset Point store also unveiled a very special mural that covers one its walls that is designed to be a tribute to the area's unique military history.