It sounds like Lucky’s Market will be getting some new competition, both locally and regionally. Arizona-based Fresh Thyme Farmers Markets has announced plans to open over 60 stores across the Midwest in the next five years, including a Northwest Columbus location at 6700 Sawmill Road, just inside 270.
“Fresh Thyme Farmers Markets will be a completely new grocery format for the Midwest,” said Chris Sherrell, President and CEO of Fresh Thyme. “We’ve taken the experience of an outdoor farmers market and combined it with the convenience of a full-service grocery store. Shoppers will enjoy value priced natural and organic items throughout our store, making healthy food more attainable to the masses.”
The insta-chain’s first location will open in Mt. Prospect, Illinois (a Chicago suburb) this spring with eight more stores slated to open throughout 2014. The Columbus location is planned to open in the Summer of 2015.
“Our markets answer the Midwest’s demand for fresh, healthy, natural and organic food, all at great prices, in a convenient and inviting format,” added Sherrell. “We’re excited to bring the farmers market concept to the area and create 5,000 new jobs in the next five years.”
The comparison to Lucky’s Market is an easy one to make. The Colorado-based company made a similar announcement last year for rapid Midwest expansion. Both stores focus heavily on fresh, organic produce at lower-than-normal prices. The 20,000 sqft footprint of Lucky’s is only slightly smaller than the 28,000 square foot plan for Fresh Thyme. And the two stores even feature a similar indoor decor style as seen in the rendering above.
Additional features of Fresh Thyme include over 400 bins of natural and organic bulk items, an in-store butcher shop featuring sausage handmade daily, a prepared meal area featuring salad bar, sandwiches and artisan breads, and a beverage department featuring a wide selection of wine and local/craft beers.
“We look forward to building longstanding community relationships and partnerships throughout the Midwest,” said Sherrell. “We’re grateful to have already received a very warm welcome and overwhelming enthusiasm from our communities.”
Additional Ohio locations planned for Fresh Thyme include two in Cincinnati (Fall 2014), Centerville and Fairborn (2015) and a Worthington location (address not yet identified) in 2016.
For more information, visit www.freshthyme.com.
