Aldi holds grand opening at Maryville location

The Aldi store located at 2235 U.S. 411 in front of Royal Oaks has officially opened, with a ribbon cutting taking place Thursday morning.

To celebrate, the discount grocery chain gave out gift cards to the first 100 customers. One lucky customer walked away with one worth $100. Shoppers also received free reusable shopping bags, coupons and a key chain that conveniently holds a quarter. Shoppers at Aldi know it takes a quarter to unlock a shopping cart at the entrance to the store; it’s returned when the shopping cart is returned.

The largest prize — $500 — was to be given away in a drawing.

Some people lined up as early as 5:30 a.m. to be the first to celebrate. The store had already been open for a few days before this ribbon-cutting event.

This is now the second Aldi store in Blount County. The other is located in Alcoa.