Last updated on May 17th, 2017 at 10:15 am
A nearly 30,000-s.f. Dave’s Fresh Marketplace has opened in Cranston, Rhode Island. Dave’s is a locally owned and operated supermarket chain focused on high-quality, fresh foods. More than half of the new store is focused on perishables and prepared meal items.
In January, GM Bill Hogan said, “Neighborhood markets are the cornerstone of communities. We are happy to be able to expand into the vibrant neighborhoods of Cranston.”
The store is located at 550 Pontiac Avenue—the site of a former Seabra Foods grocery store that has been vacant for about two years. Work to renovate the building began in October.
Dave’s other Rhode Island stores are in Smithfield, Warwick, North Kingstown, Cumberland, East Greenwich and Coventry. The new Cranston store is expected to create about 250 jobs; Dave’s workforce currently totals 1,400, including full- and part-time positions as well as administrative and executive staff.
Cranston Mayor Allan Fung said the city worked hard to bring Dave’s Marketplace to Cranston.
“Their selection of our city is a testament to the positive things that are happening, from our expanding commercial base to continued job growth to our increased bond rating,” said Fung.
“Dave’s has had slow and steady growth—starting in 1969 with a small fruit shack to today, (with) our 10th location—we are thankful for the strong, loyal customer base that continues to inspire us to find the freshest produce, meats and fish,” said Hogan. “And I would be remiss not to applaud our talented, dedicated employees that work tirelessly to create the delicious prepared foods and provide excellent customer service. We look forward to meeting new friends, and becoming part of Cranston’s story.”
Many members of the Bozzuto’s team, which helped set up the store, and representatives of Imperial Distributors and Chex Finer Foods were on hand for the store’s vendor night and preview party on April 26.
