The new Met Fresh that opened Aug. 6 at 2014 S. Broad St. in Philadelphia marked the New York-area banner’s entry into the city.
Store ownership and management along with community leaders and local business partners were expected to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m.
A media alert prior to the opening said, “The grand opening marks an exciting expansion for the Met Fresh brand and reflects its continued commitment to serving diverse communities with fresh produce, quality meats, bakery and deli offerings, everyday grocery essentials and exceptional customer service.”
Met Fresh is a banner of Associated Supermarket Group, a Port Washington, New York-based organization that provides distribution, marketing, merchandising, promotional services and store financing to independently owned grocers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. In addition to Met Fresh, ASG banners include Associated, Associated Fresh, Compare, Compare Fresh, Met Foods, Metropolitan City Market and Pioneer.
Like other ASG stores, the South Philadelphia location is independently owned and operated. According to local news reports, the store is owned by Omar Hamdan. The 13,000-square-foot location took over space formerly filled by Walgreens.
Met Fresh origins
The Met Fresh banner grew out of the Met Foodmarket banner, which has operated in communities in New York City, Long Island, and New Jersey for 45 years. Met Foodmarkets cater to the value-conscious shoppers with grocery and fresh products. As demand for organic and fresh options grew, ASG developed the Met Fresh brand, featuring expanded produce and perimeter services alongside traditional assortments for health-conscious consumers.
The South Philly opening continues an active stretch for the group. ASG opened The Market of Point Pleasant Beach on the New Jersey shore in late July, its member Shap Markets’ fifth store, and debuted a refreshed Associated Supermarket format in Brooklyn in March.