A 'Fresh' Start for New Avon Grocery Store

Avon will have a new grocery store come February.

The grand opening for The Fresh Market in Nod Brook Mall is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 9 a.m. Chefs will do cooking demonstrations, customers can sample foods and there will also be a drawing for grocery store gift cards.

The first 1,000 customers will receive a reusable store shopping bag and a small sample bag of The Fresh Market's gourmet coffee.

“We are excited to open our store in Avon and to expand our reach in Connecticut,” Craig Carlock, company president and chief executive officer, said in a press release.

The former Party City and Little Saku building at 315 West Main Street, along Route 44, was demolished in August to make way for construction of the grocery store.

This will be the specialty grocer's second location in Connecticut. The other is in and some photos of the interior of that site are available on .

The store's opening will create 90 jobs in Avon, according to the press release.

Carlock said in the press release that the grocery store is intended to be modeled after an "old-world European market."

“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," Carlock said in the press release.

The Fresh Market has a bakery that produces "30 freshly baked breads" and "14 different pie varieties daily," according to the press release. There will also be a full service meat counter, including fresh seafood delivered several times a week. Over 200 imported and domestic cheeses and more than 400 produce items will be available, as well as a "large organic selection."

Almost a year ago, on Jan. 25, 2011, the Planning and Zoning Commission for the 21,000-square-foot grocery store.

The plan also included so that drivers will have the option to turn right into The Fresh Market parking lot or left toward the rest of the plaza. Cars can no longer go straight toward Marshalls where there are usually many pedestrians. Islands with street lights make a more distinctive division between the incoming and outgoing traffic lanes.

More information about The Fresh Market is available on its website: www.thefreshmarket.com.