Optimism grows for Steele’s Markets

FORT COLLINS – Sales are up at Steele’s Markets Inc., and the regional grocery chain is negotiating a proposed bankruptcy reorganization plan that is gaining high marks from creditors and others watching the company.

The company filed for protection in February, asked for an extension of a June deadline and hopes to have the case wrapped up sometime in August. Steele’s attorney Jim Ringenberg said bankruptcies normally take more than the 120 days allotted.

In the meantime, some creditors seem pleased with the company’s efforts, while others are evaluating the proposal or won’t comment.

“My impression is they’re making a fair amount…