A Quincy-based grocery chain hopes to lease the former Kroger store in Louisiana.  Niemann Foods is in negotiations with the building’s Saint Louis owner.

At a public meeting Thursday, Niemann officials said the chain is focusing all of its efforts on a lease rather than building a new store.

The next hurdle is Kroger’s lease, which runs through next August. Niemann spokesman Gerry Kettler said that if an agreement can be reached, the grocer would undertake a major renovation and open a County Market within six months.

Kroger announced in early October that it was closing due to unprofitability at the Louisiana location and another in Hannibal.

The Niemann-owned County Market in Pittsfield, Illinois, is offering weekly grocery delivery to Louisiana.