MEMPHIS, Tennessee – A Nashville real estate developer has big plans for five Save-a-Lot grocery stores in Memphis.

Jason Word, owner of J. Word Enterprises, bought four stores in Nashville a year ago and owns two in Oklahoma.

He recently purchased the Save-a-Lot stores on Jackson Avenue, Knight Arnold Road, Austin Peay Highway, US Highway 61 and Park Avenue.

Word said he wanted to make the stores prettier, but more than that, to sell affordable and healthy food.

“Some of those places where our stores are people don’t have access to healthy options,” Word said.

He’s planning a major overhaul of grocery stores.

“Right off the bat, we’re going to beautify the stores,” Word said. “Over the next few months, we will be looking to modernize all of our stores. We will have a new Save-a-Lot logo, new interior colors, paint. You name it.

Word said it knows all too well that food deserts exist in urban communities, so it wants to expand affordable in-store products and bring more fruits and vegetables to customers.

“Not just more, but more vibrant choices in our fruits and vegetables,” Word said.

He said customers are already noticing the changes to his stores in the Nashville area and he looks forward to bringing more quality choices to Memphis shoppers.

“Memphis has always been near and dear to me and now even more so,” he said. “We look forward to making an impact not only in stores, but also in the community. “

Word wouldn’t speak of the purchase price, but he said he plans to visit Memphis stores every week.