After several years of delays, Safeway is set to debut in Laveen.

The 55,000-square-foot food and drug retailer will open for a preview party at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, at Laveen Ranch Marketplace, a 14.21-acre shopping center under construction on the southeast corner of 51st Avenue and Baseline Road.

The official grand opening is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 24, at 8 a.m.

According to Nikki Daly, director of public affairs and government relations for Safeway, customers attending the Thursday preview party will be given 10 percent off purchases of $50 or more. Also, an iPod will be given away during Friday’s 12-hour grand opening sale.

The new Safeway will feature separate olive, sushi and gelato bars, as well as a full line of organic and natural foods. The store will also have a Starbucks Coffee kiosk and a U.S. Bank branch.

A fuel station will open on the parking lot’s northwest corner.

In addition to Safeway, an extra 15,000 square feet of newly constructed space will house a variety of shops. Confirmed tenants include The UPS Store, Fantastic Sams, Amy’s Nails and Rosati’s Pizza.

About 9,000 square feet of shop space remains available.

“The shop space building offers smaller retailers the opportunity to serve the growing Laveen community, and we’re very pleased with the interest we’ve received thus far from potential tenants,” said Laura Ortiz, principal of Evergreen Development Co., the developer of Laveen Ranch Marketplace.

Companies already opened at Laveen Ranch Marketplace include Fletcher Tire, Bank of America, Sonic and KinderCare.