FARMINGTON – Along with bringing a grocery store back downtown, the Tranten brothers have finalized a franchise agreement with Amato’s, Don Tranten said on Thursday.

The back corner or pharmacy area of what was Howard’s Rexall will become Amato’s Express, which will offer pasta, pizza, sandwiches and salads, he said.

The franchise was being worked on last month when the Tranten brothers, Donald, Clay and Neal, announced their intention to come to Farmington, expanding their Kingfield grocery holdings. What they were calling a sandwich shop next to the meat and deli counters is now Amato’s Express, he said.

The store’s planned Jan. 1 opening has been delayed because more renovation work is required for the ceiling.

“We’re hoping to open by mid-January,” he said.

With six apartments located above the store, the suspended ceiling in the store needs a certified separation, said Code Enforcement Officer Steve Kaiser.

All store equipment has been ordered and once the ceiling is done, the rest of the work should go quickly, Tranten said.

Amato’s was started by Giovanni Amato in Portland in 1902. He began selling baked rolls filled with meat, cheese and fresh vegetables, according to Amato’s Web site.