KTA Super Stores opened today its first new store since 1990 in Kealakekua.

The family-run grocery chain, which has been in business for more than 100 years on Hawaii island, opened KTA Express Kealakekua at the site of the former Kamigaki Market, another long-time kamaaina business.

“We are happy to expand our presence and be a part of the community,” Barry Taniguchi, CEO and chairman, said in a news release.

KTA Express, which is slightly smaller than the regular stores, is the third KTA location in West Hawaii for the South Kona population. The store at 81-6602 Mamalahoa Hwy. will have similar offerings to the other locations, including produce, seafood and meats and the private-label Mountain Apple Brand, as well as AFC Sushi and L&L Mix Plate.

The property is still owned by the Kamitaki family, which also operates HouseMart, Ben Franklin Crafts and HouseMart Ace Hardware stores.

“We had a good rapport with the Kamitaki ‘ohana … and they were ready to lease out that property to us,” said Debbie Arita, administrative assistant. “When the opportunity arose it was a good chance for us to serve the Kealakekua community.”

KTA Super Stores was established in 1916 as K. Taniguchi Shoten run by Koichi and Taniyo Taniguchi in Waiakea. The mom-and-pop operation built in 1977 the state’s first in-store bakery and full-scale deli department on the island and has since grown to seven stores and more than 700 employees.