Cassie Kibens | Staff Reporter
Posted August 14, 2014; 9:30 a.m.

The clock strikes 9:17 a.m. on Wednesday Aug. 6 and the ribbon is cut. The new Schnucks, located at 1900 First Capitol Dr., features 71,000 square feet of groceries, fresh food, a pharmacy and a US Bank branch.

The opening ceremonies featured four students from the Lindenwood Cheerleading team and the mascot, Leo the Lion. Some students from Lindenwood University said having the new grocer close to the school as an advantage.

“I think it’s really cool,” Brianna Patterson, senior at Lindenwood, said. “I’m hoping I get to wear my Lindenwood gear, put that into use here.”

Patterson transferred from the Zumbel Schnucks in order to be closer to school. She said she likes the idea of having the café for students to study and hang out, but would also like to see the store work with the university like having special events or sales for students.

Jan Witcher, co-manager of the store, also envisions a close relationship with the university. While nothing is set in stone, she said she would like to possibly see a student night at the store, or even working with the university so students can use their meal cards at Schnucks.

The Lindenwood University Commons Schnucks will be open daily from 6 a.m. to midnight. The store also features a section with some Lindenwood University hats and t-shirts.