Staff Report
Brandon, Fla. – The Fresh Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: TFM) will expand its presence next month with a new store in Brandon, marking the company’s 36th store in the state of Florida.
At its newest location at 3468 Lithia Pinecrest Rd., in the Lithia Crossing shopping center, the specialty grocer’s full-service philosophy will incorporate unparalleled product selection and expert customer service in an inviting atmosphere. The Fresh Market employs a team of friendly, well-trained professionals who pride themselves on providing the highest level of customer service to shoppers. Employees can often be found offering cooking advice or sharing their favorite tips to help customers create the perfect meal.
“We are excited to open our new store in Brandon and to expand our reach in Florida,” said Craig Carlock, the company’s president and chief executive officer. “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.”
Doors will open at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 2, and grand opening activities will 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 new store will house over 24,400 sq. ft. of culinary delights, including a bakery that produces 30 freshly baked breads and 14 different pie varieties daily, a full service meat counter with freshly ground beef, a wide selection of ready-to-serve entrées, fresh seafood delivered to the store several times per week, and more than 200 imported and domestic cheeses, as well as a bountiful produce department with more than 400 items and a large organic selection.
“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.”
The Fresh Market is excited to be an active member of the Brandon community. The company has made a significant investment in the market and the new store is bringing approximately 90 new jobs to the area, most of which are being filled locally.
The Fresh Market is committed to the communities where it does business, and its employees enthusiastically support local organizations that are important to the stores’ communities and customers. The new store will proudly partner with ECHO of Brandon and Nativity Outreach Food Bank by providing regular donations of food. In addition, as part of the company’s focus on providing the freshest, best quality products, the store will feature a growing number of local and regional products from area growers and producers.
About The Fresh Market, Inc.
Founded in 1982, The Fresh Market, Inc. 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 156 stores in 26 states across the U.S. The Fresh Market is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, please visit www.thefreshmarket.com.
