Customers at Jim's Supervalu often have asked if hot deli meals could be made available.

Lack of space, however, prevented the 13,000-square foot store from doing so.

But by the end of this summer, customers will be able to bring home meals from a new hot deli at the store.

And that's just a small part of the changes.

Jim's Supervalu is adding another 5,000 square feet by expanding to the north, where Doors and Floors is now located. The store will be able to offer 2,000 new products throughout the store.

The produce section will triple and the freezer/refrigerator section will double. The meat department will grow by a third and the deli by a half. The bakery also will double in size.

"It's going to be exciting," owner Jim Baldus said. "The people are really wanting to see it -- especially in this part of town."

Jim's Supervalu opened about five and a half years ago after Baldus purchased the building on 11th Street SE. The building also houses Doors and Floors and Star Liquor.

About a year ago, officials at Hopkins-based Supervalu encouraged Baldus to expand.

"They thought we had no growth potential in the area unless we did an expansion," he said.

Traffic at the store has increased after Baldus closed the Lyle Market last year. Lyle residents tend to stop there on their way home from Austin jobs, Baldus said.

"We see a lot of Lyle checks," he said.

Baldus said he wants to offer more services and products to his customers and listened to their ideas for other product options.

Employees also have been involved in the decision-making process and 10 more employees will be added to the staff, Baldus said. About 40 full- and part-time employees work at the store.

"There are a lot of people involved," Baldus said.

Doors and Floors has rented its spot in the building for eight years. Joel Jensen, co-owner of the 13-year-old business, said its new location is still being finalized.

"Everything worked out good," Jensen said of leasing the space from Baldus.

Baldus said Doors and Floors has been a good tenant and that Star Liquor will not be affected by the expansion.

Baldus hopes to start construction June 1 and thinks it will take about two to three months to complete. The store will not close at any time during the construction and the wall between Supervalu and the expansion area will not be torn down until construction is almost completed. A new layout, lighting and flooring throughout the store are also a part of the project.

"I'm looking forward to getting going," Baldus said.

Cari Quam can be reached at 434-2235 or by e-mail at cari.quam@austindailyherald.com