Last updated on November 8th, 2024
The Fresh Market held two grand openings Oct. 30 – a 17,000-square-foot store at 2730 N. Halstead St. in Lincoln Park, Illinois; and a 27,000-square-foot site at 1153 State Route 3N in Crofton, Maryland.
The new stores offer a range of fresh produce, premium meats, seafood, bakery items and globally and locally sourced products. The retailer recently was recognized by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 for best grocery store, best bakery, best deli and best-prepared food.
[RELATED: The Fresh Market Expands Florida Footprint With Store In Seminole]
For shoppers looking for ready-to-eat options, the Crofton location offers:
- In-house smoked pit barbecue featuring fresh brisket, ribs and pork. The Fresh Market smokes its brisket overnight for a minimum of 12 hours over locally sourced wood;
- Signature hot and fresh pizza, made with an artisanal crust, sauce comprised of Italian-grown crushed tomatoes and salt and topped with BelGioioso mozzarella cheese; and
- Large variety of scooping salads, olive bar and soup station.
“As we continue to expand our presence on the East Coast, opening our Crofton location represents a significant milestone in our growth strategy,” said Jason Potter, CEO of The Fresh Market.
“Our goal is to provide the community with access to the highest quality fresh foods and a shopping experience that is delicious, convenient and enjoyable. We look forward to becoming a part of the Crofton community and offering our guests a place where they feel welcome and valued.”
The Lincoln Park store boasts a sensory experience and a cache of fresh and specialty products. It also offers restaurant meals for dine-in or take-home. Guests can choose from the following options:
- Smashburgers crafted from premium cuts of brisket, short rib and chuck;
- All-beef New York-style hot dogs made from pasture-raised beef sourced from family farms;
- Neapolitan-style hot and fresh pizza, made with artisanal crust, sauce comprised of Italian-grown crushed tomatoes and salt, and topped with BelGioioso mozzarella cheese;
- Hummus bowls with a choice of protein-rich salmon, chicken or falafel; and
- Large variety of scooping salads, olive bar and soup station.
“We are so excited to be a part of the community here in Lincoln Park,” Potter said. “It’s not just a store to pick up your groceries, but a place where people can come to meet up with friends and family to enjoy delicious, fresh food.”
To celebrate the grand opening, both stores gave the first 500 customers customized shopping bags. In addition, each held bread-breaking ceremonies, live music, vendor sampling, specialty presentations, giveaways and check presentations – $2,000 each to Maryland Food Bank and the Greater Chicago Food Depository.
