Longtime Food Depot manager Phillip Peebles has been named store manager of the grocery store’s newest location in Evergreen, Ala.

Peebles, a 23-year veteran of the grocery store industry, will oversee the operation of the new 20,000 square foot store immediately.

Peebles has been manager of the Luverne Food Depot location for 10 years.

Food Depot owner John Wilson said that Peebles has been a vital part of the business.

“Mr. Peebles has done an outstanding job in the Luverne store and he was just a natural fit for the new location in Evergreen,” said Wilson. “We are going to miss Mr. Peebles here in Luverne, but I am confident that he will do an excellent job leading the new store. He’s earned the opportunity to open his own store from the ground up. I’m certain that he will continue the tradition of exceptional leadership, and will be an excellent asset to the Evergreen community.”

Peebles began his career in the grocery store business in 1991 working with Bruno Supermarkets, before joining Food Depot in 2004. During his career he has worked in every department of the grocery store.

“I’ve done just about everything you can do in the grocery store business,” said Peebles. “From the cash register to stocking shelves, to the meat department and produce department. I’ve had a chance to gain knowledge of the entire business.”

A native of Bratt, Fla., Peebles says that he is excited about the opportunity to be a little closer to his hometown.

Peebles plans to begin work at the new location immediately and said he is looking forward to making Evergreen or the surrounding area his home.

“Evergreen is a friendly hometown community and that is what Food Depot is all about,” said Peebles. “We will have a friendly atmosphere at the store. Low prices, good quality products are what we specialize in. Food Depot’s original location has been in business since 1971 — we have deep roots in the communities in which we serve.”

The second Food Depot location is located in the new 35-acre lot of Liberty Hill Shopping Center in Evergreen. The grand opening is expected to take place in October and will employ about 50 staff members.

Peebles and his wife Cynthia have two children, Ashley, 14, and Kayley, 10.