DICKINSON, TEXAS — Ziegler's Foods reopened on June 5, 2026, in Dickinson, Texas. The store, located off Highway 517, had been closed to customers since 2017.
Rahimali Vakaliay purchased the store in 2024. He began renovations after the acquisition.
Hurricane Harvey impacted Dickinson in August 2017, flooding 80 percent of the city, according to city officials. Approximately 7,000 structures in Dickinson were affected during that storm.
Vakaliay constructed a gas station at the property after purchasing the store. He also installed a generator. He worked with FEMA to improve the building to mitigate damage from future storms.
The store has operated in the Dickinson community for 70 years, according to city leaders. The only other large grocery store in Dickinson closed approximately one year prior to the reopening.
Customer Macronetta Isaac discussed her long-standing patronage of the store. "I have been shopping here since my kids were very, very small. I just really enjoy coming this way." Isaac said.
Dickinson Mayor Travis Magliolo shared his reaction to the renovated store. "When I walked in, I haven't seen it since it's been fully built out, my jaw dropped." Magliolo said. He added that the store evokes personal memories. "When I look at this, it brings back the memories of myself with my grandmother. It brings it back with my dad, and my mom grabbing a few things for dinner." Magliolo said.
Vakaliay reflected on the effort involved in reopening the store. "I bought this store in 2024, and since then I've been working so hard to make this day possible." Vakaliay said.