development

Stirling Properties announces that The Fresh Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: TFM) will expand its presence in the South this month with a store in New Orleans, marking the company’s fourth store in the state of Louisiana.

At its newest location at 3338 St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans, 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. Team members 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 store in New Orleans and to expand our reach in Louisiana,” 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 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 25, and grand opening activities will include chef demonstrations, food sampling throughout the store, and drawings for The Fresh Market gift cards. A reusable shopping bag and sample-sized bag of the company’s gourmet coffee will be free to the first 1,000 customers.

The New Orleans store will house over 24,800 square feet 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 old-world European markets, says 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.”

Stirling Properties redeveloped the property, formerly a Borders bookstore, to accommodate The Fresh Market. Stirling Properties also leases and manages the property owned by Stirling Forterra, LLC.

“This historic property will soon come back to life as the debut of The Fresh Market to the New Orleans area,” said Lewis Stirling, Executive Vice President of Stirling Properties. “We are pleased to bring the first specialty grocer to St. Charles Avenue and the Garden District neighborhood.”

The Fresh Market looks forward to becoming an active member of the New Orleans community. The company has made a significant investment in New Orleans 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 Orleans store will partner with local food banks by providing regular donations of food and the store management looks forward to making community relations an integral part of their business. In addition, as part of the company’s focus on providing the freshest, best quality products, the new store will feature a growing number of local products from New Orleans area growers and producers, such as Hoffstadt Farms.