Last updated on January 29th, 2014 at 10:56 am
The Fresh Market is opening a new store in Alexandria on Wednesday, marking the specialty grocer’s 12th store in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The store, at 3680 King St., is located in the Bradlee Shopping Center.
“We are excited to open our new store in Alexandria and to expand our reach in Virginia,” said Craig Carlock, the company’s president and CEO. “We look forward to introducing The Fresh Market’s concept of quality perishables, excellent customer service and a unique atmosphere to an expanded customer base, and we look forward to offering neighboring communities a rewarding new food shopping experience.”
The more than 25,700-s.f. store features a bakery that produces 30 freshly baked breads and 14 different pie varieties daily, a full-service meat counter with freshly ground beef, a selection of ready-to-serve entrées, fresh seafood delivered to the store several times per week, more than 200 imported and domestic cheeses as well as a large produce department with more than 400 items and a vast organic selection. The store also will include a growing number of local and regional products from area growers and producers.
“The Fresh Market’s inviting atmosphere is reminiscent of European markets,” said Carlock. “Our customers enjoy shopping in an environment that appeals to all the senses. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and bread right out of the oven, the sound of classical music, soft lighting with antique décor in an intimate setting, and the ability to select and taste fresh, high-quality products all work together to create surroundings where customers are encouraged to experience the food.”
Grand opening activities Wednesday include chef demonstrations, food sampling throughout the store and drawings for The Fresh Market gift cards. A sample-sized bag of the company’s gourmet coffee and a reusable shopping bag will be free to the first 1,000 customers.
The Fresh Market brings approximately 90 new jobs to the area, most of which are being filled locally, according to the company. Additionally the new store will partner with the Capital Area Food Bank by providing regular donations of food.
The Fresh Market is based in North Carolina and currently operates 151 stores in 26 states across the U.S.
