What’s Cookin’? –Smithtown by Nancy Vallarella
Fresh Market Grand Opening - July 22This past Wednesday morning Fresh Market opened its doors at 138 East Main Street. As early as eight a.m., the store was filled with enthusiastic shoppers, Smithtown officials, local store and corporate management. The crowd gathered for a ceremonial “Cracking of the Parmesan”-a refreshing twist on the traditional ribbon cutting ceremony.
Fresh Market is clearly about fresh products with an emphasis on customer service and an elevated shopping experience. Extra wide aisles are easy to navigate in Fresh Market’s open market design with old world charm. Beware, before you pack up the kiddies to cruise those extra-wide aisles, there is a remarkable amount of sweets available in the east front corner of the store. It is like visiting a mini version of Dylan’s Candy Bar. Visiting this area last with children in tow and having a reward policy in place is recommended. For the child in all of us, there is a nostalgic island of retro candy.
The other 95% of Fresh Market is filled with premium produce, meats, seafood, cheeses, coffee, dairy and an array of prepared grab-and-go food choices. You can also find products from around the globe, but you will not find everything that may be on your grocery list. Fresh Market is not a one-stop-shopping experience as common household supplies are not stocked. The Fresh Market concept is modeled after the “European open market” where fresh, and fragment products are experienced. No TP or laundry detergent here.
Most notable is the Fresh Market staff. They have a refreshing combination of knowledge, friendliness and a polished, approachable appearance. Fresh Market employees give a happy to be working there vibe.
There is an emphasis on community. This location has already partnered with the Smithtown Emergency Food Pantry and has reached out to the Smithtown Children’s Foundation.
It appears that Fresh Market has raised the bar in the local food/grocery competition for our dollars. Time will tell which stores will rise to the top. In the meantime, Smithtown residents are clearly the winners in this very competitive market.
Pay a visit to Fresh Market this week as the store is geared up to show off their goodies. Food tastings and cooking demos are scheduled through the rest of the week from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.