DICKINSON — A longtime Dickinson landmark is once again open for business, marking a significant milestone in the city’s continued recovery and revitalization efforts.
The former Ziegler’s grocery store property, which remained dormant for years following Hurricane Harvey, has reopened under new ownership, drawing residents, city leaders, and community members to celebrate its return.
For Dickinson Mayor Travis Magliolo, the reopening carries deep personal significance.
Born and raised in Dickinson, Magliolo said the store was a regular part of life growing up, serving as more than just a place to buy groceries.
“It brings back the memories of myself with my grandmother,” Magliolo said. “It brings it back with my dad, my mom coming to the store and grabbing a few things for dinner. It brings that memory back.”
While the nostalgia remains, Magliolo said the renovated facility also represents progress.
“When I walked in, I hadn’t seen it since it’s been fully built out, and my jaw dropped,” he said. “We have something that has been done better.”
The reopening comes nearly nine years after Hurricane Harvey devastated Dickinson and surrounding communities in 2017. The storm left widespread flooding and damage throughout the city, and many residents viewed the vacant building as a reminder of the challenges that followed.
Magliolo believes the property’s revival sends a different message.
“This is all hope. This is redemption,” he said. “When you think about the fact we haven’t seen this place since Harvey, which is one of the most devastating times in Dickinson history, this is us taking back our history and saying we’re going to do better.”
The mayor emphasized that the project represents more than simply restoring grocery access.
According to Magliolo, the site has served as a community staple for generations, operating as both Ziegler’s and, before that, Klecka’s Grocery.
“This one means more than just a grocery store,” Magliolo said. “This is bringing back a legacy. It’s been a grocery store, a staple in Dickinson for years.”
The reopening also reflects broader economic momentum within the city. Magliolo noted that Dickinson has seen several recent business openings and additional investments are planned in the months ahead.
He pointed to growing interest from businesses looking to establish themselves in Dickinson, citing the city’s location, growth potential, and strong sense of community.
“Businesses are saying, ‘We want to come there. We want to be a part of what you got,’” Magliolo said. “And that’s exciting.”
While city officials continue efforts to attract additional grocery retailers and other commercial development, Magliolo stressed that local support will be essential to ensuring the success of businesses already investing in Dickinson.
“Now us as citizens, us as the community, we have to do our part now,” he said. “This place will die without our help, and that’s what we have to protect.”
For many residents, the reopening is about more than a renovated building. It is the return of a familiar landmark, a connection to Dickinson’s past, and a symbol of confidence in its future.
