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First Black-Owned Autonomous Grocer Opens in Georgia

Specialty Food Association

Nourish + Bloom Market, the first Black-owned autonomous grocery store, has opened in Fayetteville, Georgia, a neighborhood in South Metro Atlanta, according to Cuisine Noir.

Co-owners Jamie Michael Hemmings and his wife Jilea are on a mission to make healthy food convenient and affordable for more people using autonomous and robotic technology. 

This “frictionless” grocery store and bistro offers more than 1,000 locally-sourced, healthy products, including meats, produce, dairy, healthcare, and prepared foods. “We believe that everyone deserves to eat healthy,” said Jilea.

A network of cameras, shelf scales measuring weights of products, and AI technology power the self-guiding store. After downloading the store's app and uploading payment information, customers enter the store and scan QR codes with their smartphone. Payment is automatic, without the need to stop at a register.  

As a bonus, robots are able to deliver online orders within a three-mile radius of the store. The resident robots—named Nourish and Bloom—are programmed with facial recognition software and temperature-controlled bellies.

The owners plan to expand, starting with an additional store in the Atlanta area later this year. Full Story

Related: Suburban Amazon Go Stores to OpenInstacart Supports Black-Owned Brands

Image: Nourish + Bloom Market 

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