MOBILE, Alabama – Months of speculation ended Monday when Thibodaux, La.-based Rouses Markets confirmed it will take ownership of six former Belle Foods locations in Mobile and Baldwin counties.

The move, which marks the chain’s entry to the Alabama market, means Rouses will take over stores in Mobile, Gulf Shores, Spanish Fort, Saraland and Theodore from Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc., a retailer-owner cooperative to which Rouses belongs.

The announcement comes less than one week after a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge approved the sale of Belle's remaining 43 stores to AWG's assembled buyers for $16.13 million plus a discounted price of some of the inventory in the stores.

Donny Rouse, managing partner of Rouses Markets and a third-generation owner, said the stores will already be closed when ownership transfers and exact grand re-opening dates have not yet been set.

“We’re going to keep them closed while they undergo multimillion-dollar remodeling. We’ll be adding in-store sausage kitchens, seafood boiling rooms and other features we’re famous for,” Rouse said, alluding to the andouille, boudin, boiled crawfish and other Gulf Coast favorites carried in 38 existing stores in Louisiana and Mississippi.

And because Rouses’ down-home amenities help fuel local seafood sectors in the markets they serve, businessmen such as Tommy Delaune are encouraged by the chain’s eastward expansion.

“Fishermen across the Gulf Coast are excited about this. They know what it means for them and the economy. Rouses support keeps our Gulf Coast fishermen working,” said Delaune, president of Tommy’s Seafood in Chalmette, La.

Spanish Fort Fire-Rescue actually broke the news about its hometown location Thursday night on the volunteer fire department’s Facebook page calling it “Great news for our area, and a great company for our community,” but Rouses did not confirm all six southwest Alabama locations until Monday.

Meanwhile, the hiring process begins bright and early Tuesday with Rouses Markets giving current Belle Foods employees the first shot at joining the new team. In addition, current Belle employees can apply online at www.rouses.com or email human.resources@rouses.com.

It was not immediately clear how many positions will be filled or when Rouses’ officials will open the hiring process to the general public.

“The right team members, with the right training, make all of the difference in a customer’s shopping experience. I know people will appreciate the level of training we offer, and the commitment we make to our team members and community,” Rouse said.

Founded in 1960, Rouses employs more than 5,400, and Monday’s announcement comes only weeks after three new brick-and-mortar locations were announced in Lafayette, Baton Rouge and Gretna, La.

For Alabama Media Group's complete interview with Donny Rouse, managing partner of Rouses Markets, click here.