Fresh Market Finally Opens in South Beach

After a long anticipated wait, last week Fresh Market finally opened its doors in South Beach on 18th and West Ave. Until now the healthy eating SoBe locals had only Whole Foods to shop at but now, after two years in planning and an opening date pushed back from the beginning of 2011, Fresh Market is finally here.

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

The store is a chain that began 25 years ago in North Carolina. Married couple Ray and Beverly Berry wanted to open a store that made its customers feel like they were shopping at an outdoor European market, with the unusual feature of many different departments under one roof. And as the name states, they focused their produce on fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. The store was an instant success and the Fresh Market chain grew to 110 stores in 21 states, the latest opening here in Miami Beach.

Until recently Fresh Market could only be found in Coconut Grove and I would make a special trip to shop there. The store is stocked with amazing food and wine and the new South Beach location does not disappoint. The fruit and vegetable section which includes organic and local produce stretches the entire length of the store and is a sea of color as far as the eye can see.

FRESH FOOD SERVED DAILY

The middle part of the store is where the fun begins for all the foodies out there. Fresh Market boasts a seafood counter, delicatessen, bakery and a salad bar that is mouthwatering. The olive self service counter and cheese section is complimented by the freshly baked breads on offer including eleven different varieties such as French, Sourdough and Focaccia. There is also fresh sushi daily and you can get sandwiches made to order.

The store is well known for its wide choice of coffee as over 30 different blends and flavors are available. Browse the displays or help yourself to the barrels of beans in the center of the store. With flavors to choose from such as Crème Brulee, Georgia Pecan, Chocolate Cherry Kiss and French Vanilla you will not leave disappointed.

If the coffee flavors above are not enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, the store has almost an entire wall dedicated to candy. Gourmet chocolates, Jelly Bellys and lollipops are extravagantly displayed and for those diabetics out there, the sugar free offerings of chocolate, gummi bears and mints will leave you satisfied too.

COME ENJOY THEIR GALA NIGHTS AND EVENTS

The store hosts mini gala nights and if you are lucky enough to be shopping then you can sample food made by the chefs and taste wines. Last week the store ran a wine promotion with many different whites and reds. That is certainly one way to bring in the customers!

The food Fresh Market offers is mouthwatering, healthy, organic and delicious. And amongst the food and wine you will also find flowers, vitamins, body products and at this time of year, Christmas trees. The service is friendly and courteous and staff are more than happy to help you pack your shopping bags and carry them out to your car. Music is playing and the bright colors make it a wholly enjoyable experience. Overall, the feeling of doing your food shopping at Fresh Market is fun. And if you can look forward to doing the chore of grocery shopping, then they have certainly done something right.

Fresh Market
1800 West Avenue
Monday-Saturday: 9am - 9pm
Sunday: 10am - 8pm
Tel: 305.532.0377

Related Links: • Miami Beach Farmers Markets • Miami Beach Grocery Stores Related Categories: Miami: Local News, Miami: Food & Restaurant News, A SoBe resident for 5 years, Jess’s writing focuses on healthy living in South Beach with a dose of British humor and a cheerful outlook on life in Miami. She can be found moderating the forum Miami Beach 411. See more articles by Jess. See more articles by Jess Was This Post Helpful? Please Share It With Others! Tweet

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