Foodland Super Market Ltd. will acquire the lease for Puna Fresh Foods at the Keaau Town Center on the Big Island in mid-November.

The 26,000-square-foot store will close for about one week and reopen as Foodland Keaau.

Puna Fresh Foods, owned by Sure Save Super Market Ltd., has been open for 27 years at the center.

“;During this deep recession, we believe that a larger company like Foodland can best act in the interest of our associates and the community,”; said Carl Okuyama, president of Sure Save Super Market. “;We are pleased that Foodland will take over the store and know they will serve the community well. It's been a pleasure to watch the Puna community grow, and we would like to thank all of our loyal customers for their business over the years.”;

A total of 60 employees who work at Puna Fresh Foods are being encouraged to apply for employment at the new Foodland Keaau, which may create some new positions when it opens.

Foodland Super Market also operates a Foodland in Waimea, Foodland Farms at Mauna Lani, and three Sack N Save stores in Hilo, Puainako and Kona.

“;Taking care of customers and ensuring they have an outstanding shopping experience will be the most important thing we do,”; said Jenai S. Wall, Foodland chair and CEO.

“;We commend Sure Save for all they have done for the community since opening their store in 1981.”;

Sure Save, founded in 1953, operates three Wiki-Wiki Mart stores, Wiki-Wiki Video, Wiki-Wiki Kitchen, and Island Market store on the Big Island.

Puna Fresh Foods anchored Keaau Shopping Center, which also is home to Ace Hardware, Longs Drugs, Hokulani's Steak House and L&L Drive Inn.

The new Foodland Keaau brings Foodland's total number of stores in the isles to 31.

A new Foodland Farms is expected to open at Aina Haina Shopping Center in January, replacing an existing Foodland grocery store.