The new Pana Save-A-Lot opened its doors this week, and has a Clinton connection.  Owners Tim and Jennifer Christer (chreyestur) got connected to Clinton Save-A-Lot owner Dave Jackson, by the corporate office in St. Louis, to mentor the Christer's in opening their new store.

Jackson was at the ribbon cutting this week in Pana, and told Regional Radio News how Save-A-Lot's corporate office got them connected.

[audio:Jacksoncut1May2412.mp3] [/audio]

Jackson added the Christer's were impressed with the Save-A-Lot concept and how it saves families money on their food bill.

[audio:Jacksoncut2May2412.mp3] [/audio]

Jackson said the Christer's had to do an immense amount of work to convert their conventional grocery store into a Save-A-Lot.

[audio:Jacksoncut3May2412.mp3] [/audio]

Jackson said one of the biggest challenges for the Christer's at Pana was getting them to change the grocery store mindset.

[audio:Jacksoncut4May2412.mp3] [/audio]

The Clinton Save-A-Lot owner said it was a lot of fun to mentor the Christer's to help them open their new Save-A-Lot store in Pana.

[audio:Jacksoncut5May2412.mp3] [/audio]

Jackson has owned the Clinton Save-A-Lot for the past 13 years, and has spent a lifetime in the grocery business.

The new Pana Save-A-Lot is located just south of Pana's downtown area, and is open 8 to 8 7 days a week.