The Fresh Market opens new Manatee County store in Lakewood Ranch. Take a look inside
When the doors of The Fresh Market’s newest grocery in Manatee County opened at 7:50 a.m. Wednesday, there was a crowd of several hundred people waiting to enter.
The new store in The Green shopping center, 11525 State Road 70 E., Lakewood Ranch, is the company’s third in the Bradenton area.
What shoppers found when they entered was the latest version of The Fresh Market, what Scott North, The Fresh Market vice president, called an “emotional brand,” and promised that “it will absolutely amaze you. We are passionate about food.”
Beverlyn Truehart was one of those who arrived early for the opening.
“I can’t wait. It’s a specialty store with a lot of fresh meat,” Truehart said.
Mike and Amy McCall also arrived early. High on their shipping list were produce and seafood.
The Fresh Market hosts grand opening
Todd Kerscher, regional manager, called the Lakewood Ranch store the “newest iteration of our brand” with an expanded kitchen focus on what’s for dinner.
The new store offers shoppers lots of fully prepared and partially prepared food package options. In a few minutes, families can have restaurant-quality meals ready to eat, he said.
Kerscher also pointed out the “Little Big Meal” offerings, which can easily feed a family of four for $25.
Shoppers can also choose from an array of freshly made sandwiches, salads and — a new offering — pizza, by the slice or by the pie.
“It’s just as good as any pizza you would get in New York City,” said Anthony Stuto, director of restaurants.
The meat department at The Fresh Market is very strong with many choices and prime offerings, Kerscher said.
New Lakewood Ranch grocery store
Kerscher stopped for a moment at the bakery department, what he called “dessert heaven,” and invited shoppers enrolled in the grocer’s loyalty program to stop by during their birthday month and ask for a free slice of birthday cake.
“We are going to offer the finest quality products at a good value in a warm and welcoming environment,” he said.
Heidi Johnson, store manager, said the store has a staff of 150.
“I hope you’re just as impressed with the store as we are,” she said.
Other features of the new store include:
▪ In-house smoked pit barbecue: fresh brisket, ribs and pork.
▪ Large variety of scooping salads, olive bar and soup station.
▪ Full and self-service coffee stations with a variety of drink options, including iced and hot coffees, lattes, mochas, hot tea and smoothies.
▪ Expanded craft beer selection, including local offerings.
The Lakewood Ranch store is The Fresh Market’s 162nd nationwide and third in Manatee County.
Other Manatee County stores are at 6701 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton, which opened in 2012, and 5251 University Parkway, which opened in 2008.
For more information about The Fresh Market, visit www.TheFreshMarket.com.
