A new discount grocery store is opening its doors in Manassas Thursday morning, and for the man behind the counter, it’s more than just a business venture — it’s a homecoming.

Grocery Outlet will hold its grand opening at 9546 Liberia Avenue in the Signal Hill Shopping Center on Thursday, July 16, starting at 7 a.m. The store, which takes over a newly configured portion of the former Fresh World space, is locally owned and operated by Rodney Morrison — a Manassas native who grew up in the community he’s now serving.

“Opening in Manassas is especially meaningful to me because I grew up in this area,” Morrison said. “Being able to return and serve the same community that helped shape me is something I take great pride in. This isn’t just about opening a store — it’s about giving back and creating a place where local families can shop for quality groceries at great value.”

“I believe Manassas is a strong and growing community, and I’m proud to bring a business that supports families and helps stretch their budgets,” Morrison added.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for 10 a.m. and will include a $1,000 donation to Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) from the store’s operators.

Early shoppers are in for a treat: the first 100 customers through the doors starting at 7 a.m. will receive a Bliss Buck Gift Card loaded with a mystery amount — with the top prize being $500. All shoppers will also receive one free reusable bag with their purchase through opening week, while supplies last.

Can’t make it Thursday? Customers can still enter to win $1,000 in free groceries through August 14.

Founded in 1946, Grocery Outlet is a California-based discount grocery chain now operating more than 530 stores across 11 states. The chain’s business model centers on working directly with suppliers to purchase surplus inventory, products in outdated packaging, and closeout items — passing those savings along to shoppers in the form of name-brand products at prices typically 40–70% below conventional retail.

The majority of Grocery Outlet locations are independently owned and operated by local families. The Manassas store is the chain’s seventh Virginia location, joining existing stores in Falls Church, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg, and Suffolk.

The Manassas location fills a long-vacant space in the Signal Hill Shopping Center on Liberia Avenue, bringing a fresh option for grocery shoppers on that corridor.

Thursday’s ribbon-cutting will include Rodney Morrison, representatives from Northern Virginia Family Service, members of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, and local dignitaries. The public is welcome to attend without an RSVP.

Grocery Outlet Manassas is located at 9546 Liberia Avenue, Signal Hill Shopping Center, Manassas, VA 20110. Doors open at 7 a.m. Thursday, July 16.

 Get local news like this every Monday, free. Subscribe at woodbridgegazette.com"