By Tamas Mondovics
Demolition has started in the Lithia Crossing Stein Mart anchored plaza for a long-awaited Fresh Market grocery store. Six businesses moved out of the South end of the plaza near Land & Sea Market and behind Starbucks and Panera Bread to make way for the new retailer expected by late 2013.
Fresh Market continues to grow its chain of specialty grocery stores with new locations in Naples and Brandon. The new Naples store will be located in the Eagle Creek shopping center at the intersection of Highway 41 and Highway 951. The new Brandon store will be located in the Lithia Crossing shopping center on Lithia-Pinecrest Rd., in Valrico. The stores will be the company’s 34th and 35th in the state.
“We are excited about our continued expansion in the South, and in Florida in particular,” said Randy Kelley, senior vice president of real estate and development for The Fresh Market. “We look forward to building on the success of our other Florida locations, where we have enjoyed a strong and loyal customer base, and to providing customers in the East Naples and Marco Island area, as well as Brandon and surrounding areas, with the same quality products and excellent customer service.”
The Fresh Market has built its reputation on being an extraordinary food destination store. “From bountiful produce and a full-service meat counter to convenient prepared foods and an in-store bakery,” said Craig Carlock, the company’s president and CEO, “customers will discover that our stores are committed to variety, freshness and value as well as superior customer service.”
Fresh Market was founded in 1982, The Fresh Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: TFM) is a specialty grocery retailer focused on providing high-quality products in a unique and inviting atmosphere with a high level of customer service. The company currently operates 129 stores in 25 states, primarily located in the Southeast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast, with plans for continued expansion. For more information, please visit www.thefreshmarket.com.
Lithia Crossings is currently home to Starbucks, Panera Bread, Land & Sea Market, Great Clips, Stein Mart, Pacific Grill, Big Frog Custom T-shirts, RobZFitness Training & Classes, Amani Med Spa, Late Hour Urgent Care, Chili’s, Cold Stone Creamery, Tanning and Lithia Nails.
