What's The New Gordon Food Service Being Built on Highway 31?

Gordon Food Service Marketplace's new store in Mount Pleasant near Highway 31 and Washington Avenue, across from Kohl's, is taking shape. But what exactly what is the store? 

The new 16,000-square-foot building will serve as a retail outlet for the Grand Rapids-based company, which is the largest privately held food distribution company in the US and Canada. GFS reported $5.5 billion in sales in 2007. 

The retail stores - there are about 140 around the country - are designed to help restaurants, caterers, daycares, schools, churches and family gatherings meet food service needs. They also carry bar supplies. 

GFS stores are considered a hybrid of a grocery store and a wholesale food supplier. Like Sam's Club, food is mostly sold in bulk (this article notes veggies are sold in pounds, not ounces), but GFS customers do not need a membership to shop. Prices are comparable to Sam's, according to articles on stores in other markets(Here's an ad with some of what they offer.)

The Mount Pleasant store will be one of GFS' first in Wisconsin. The company opened a 500,000-square-foot warehouse in Pleasant Prairie in 2010. 

It's also planning new retail stores in Pleasant Prairie and West Milwaukee.