Naw Hkret, one of two chefs at the new sushi bar located within the Giant Food Store on East Market Street, slices carrots. Renovations for the Springettsbury Township location, which also include a bakery and coolers for beer, continue. (John A. Pavoncello photo)

Renovations at Giant Food Stores in Springettsbury Township are slightly ahead of schedule.

The grocery chain's new Marketplace Café - originally expected to open in early June - will likely open during Memorial Day weekend at the 2415 E. Market St. location, according to a company spokesman.

Giant officials anticipate the 36-seat café and lounge will receive final approval from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board by the end of the month, so the cafe can sell national and imported beers, along with hot and cold subs and paninis, baked goods, coffee and more when it opens.

The grocery chain's application for a liquor license has been approved and will also permit customers to purchase two six-packs of beer at a time for

Edna Pentz, left, helps Elliott Toomey package cakes in the store s new bakery. (John A. Pavoncello photo)

Additionally, a remodeled deli, sushi, Chinese food and carryout areas opened two weeks ago, and a revamped bakery department is also open .

In mid-June, healthy, natural and organic aisles will be completed, while finishing touches are made on the molding and décor, according to Chris Brand, the chain's manager of community and public relations.

He did not disclose the cost of the project, which began in early February.

Extensive work during the four-month renovation has included an expansion of frozen food, gluten-free and organic food sections; an updated interior; new, energy-saving light fixtures; and a kiosk where customers can scan their bonus cards to find out their point balances and print coupons and recipes.

The store received an exterior facelift several years ago, but this is the first major interior overhaul since the location was built in 1994.

- Reach Candy Woodall at 505-5437 or cwoodall@yorkdispatch.com.