Friends, family and community leaders gathered at Stew Leonard's flagship store in Norwalk for the unveiling a new statue of the store's founder and to celebrate the grand reopening of the store.

Over the past year, the Norwalk location has undergone a $30 million renovation, which increased the size and updated the 50-year-old building. Officials say despite its larger size, the store is 30% more energy efficient. The store stayed open during the entire renovation.

The statue was dedicated to founder Stew Leonard Sr., who died last year.

Stew Leonard's son says the inspiration for the new sculpture of his father came from family vacations to Disney World.

The statue will be placed at the entrance of the store.