Atlanta, in partnership with Invest Atlanta and Savi Provisions, has opened Azalea Fresh Market, a first-of-its-kind municipal grocery store in the city’s downtown.
Located in the historic and repurposed Olympia Building, Azalea officially opened to the public Sept. 8. On that first day, the store welcomed 728 customers and brought in several thousands of dollars in revenue.
Azalea Fresh Market is the result of a collaborative effort between the city, Invest Atlanta, Savi Provisions, the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) and community members who identified a need for more affordable, fresh and healthy food options in Atlanta.
With 14 percent of Atlantans experiencing food insecurity, the initiative provides access to nutritious food in a USDA designated low-income, low-access area while also fostering economic growth and job creation.
“Our administration made a commitment to expand access to fresh food across the city, and Azalea Market – in the heart of downtown – is a significant milestone in ensuring healthy, whole neighborhoods; and this is just the beginning,” said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who also chairs Invest Atlanta’s board.
“This grocery store is not just a place to shop – it is a community hub that will serve neighborhood residents, support Georgia-grown products and promote healthier lifestyles as we continue to revitalize downtown.”
Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta, said, the store will enhance access to fresh, affordable food, as well as stimulate job growth and invigorate the downtown economy.
“Slated to serve more than 5,500 people per month, the estimated total economic impact from this store is more than $6 million a year,” she said. “This initiative is another example of Atlanta leading the way in addressing food access and food insecurity with a new grocery store model that will foster sustainable community development and enrich the lives of local residents.”
The design of the store and its operations was a collaborative effort between Invest Atlanta, the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, Savi Provisions, creative agency Cohere and Savannah College of Art and Design.
Faculty and more than 60 students at SCAD’s Atlanta campus also contributed to developing the concept and its name.
Spanning two levels, Azalea Fresh Market offers a range of products, including fresh produce, dairy, meats and pantry staples, with a focus on sourcing from local farmers and suppliers to support the regional economy.
In addition, the store’s upstairs level features an array of prepared food, hand-rolled sushi from Atlanta’s High Roller Sushi and an in-store coffee shop by locally owned Dope Coffee.
“At Savi Provisions, we’ve always believed in giving back – but this initiative goes beyond one-time efforts and cements our commitment to being an Atlanta institution that truly serves and partners with community,” said Paul Nair, founder and CEO of the company and the owner/operator of Azalea Fresh Market.
“We look forward to growing the Azalea Fresh Market brand and working together with stakeholders across the city to make this a truly accessible and homegrown concept.”
Founded in 2009, Savi Provisions has 24 storefronts across Georgia and North Carolina.
“This initiative reflects the very best of what independent grocers can do when given the right support,” said IGA CEO John Ross. “Large chains may bypass these neighborhoods, but with the right guidance and resources, independents like Savi can step in to provide access to fresh, affordable food and become true community anchors.
“We’re proud to contribute our expertise to help ensure Azalea Fresh Market thrives as both a neighborhood grocery and a model for addressing food insecurity across Atlanta and beyond.”
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