Houston, Texas – The Fresh Market, Inc. will expand its presence this summer, as it enters the state of Texas with four new stores in Houston.
All four stores will be located in sites formerly occupied by Houston-based Rice Epicurean Markets in the West University, Memorial, River Oaks and Tanglewood neighborhoods of Houston:
• Wednesday, July 17: 2617 West Holcombe Blvd.
• Wednesday, July 24: 12516 Memorial Dr.
• Wednesday, August 7: 3745 Westheimer Rd.
• Wednesday, August 21: 5016 San Felipe St.
At its four new locations in Houston, 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. Employees 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 stores in Houston and to expand our reach into Texas,” 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 8:00 a.m. on the grand opening day of each location. Grand opening activities will include chef demonstrations, food sampling throughout the store, and drawings for The Fresh Market gift cards. A sample-sized bag of the company’s gourmet coffee will be free to the first 1,000 customers and a reusable shopping bag will be free to the first 3,000 customers.
The four new Houston stores will house between 22,000 – 26,000 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.”
The Fresh Market looks forward to becoming an active member of the Houston community. The company has made a significant investment in Houston, and each new store is bringing approximately 90 new jobs to the area — most of which are being filled locally.
About The Fresh Market, Inc.
Founded in 1982, The Fresh Market, Inc. (NASDAQ: TFM) is a specialty grocery retailer focused on providing high-quality products in a unique and inviting atmosphere with a high level of customer service. The company currently operates 134 stores in 25 states, primarily located in the Southeast, Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and West Coast, with plans for continued expansion throughout the country. The Fresh Market is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, please visit www.thefreshmarket.com.
Source: The Fresh Market, Inc.