Fresh Market unveils bigger, revamped store in south Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Fresh Market knew it was time for a new store in south Charlotte.

[RELATED: The Fresh Market closing 15 stores, including one in Charlotte]

On Thursday, its new, 21,000-square-foot specialty grocery store opened in the Strawberry Hill shopping center at 8 a.m. A ceremonial bread-breaking — with a 12-foot French baguette — is part of the festivities, with free samples, live entertainment and the “cracking” of a 95-pound wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano planned.

The store replaces the existing, 15,000-square-foot Fresh Market in that development, which opened 27 years ago.

[RELATED: Guide to Charlotte's farmers markets]

It was the brand’s first Charlotte location.

“We think it’s just a much better store for that neighborhood,” says Larry Appel, chief executive. “There’s a lot of growth in that neighborhood.”

The new location’s expanded footprint provides 5,000 square feet of additional selling space. It also created better visibility, putting the store in a prime location at the corner of Providence and Sardis roads.

Read more and check out photos of the new store here.

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