The Russian grocery chain Okey Dokey will open its first U.S. location in Miami in September, as a part of its $500 million American expansion, the Sun Sentinel reported. The stores are being developed by Miami-based Agro-trade and 22 leases have already been acquired for locations in Sunrise, Plantation, Hollywood, downtown Miami and North Miami. It eventually plans to open 30 stores throughout South Florida.
The stores will be smaller than typical U.S. groceries, employing only 10 to 15 workers per store. However, in total, Okey Dokey plans to hire approximately 500 workers. “America has come to embrace the different European retail concepts,” said Roy Sartin, director of people development at Agro-Trade America. The company said Miami was chosen for its first location and because of its diverse population. [Sun Sentinel] – Christopher Cameron