FreshTake, an innovative grocery concept, is set to open its doors in a former 42,000-square-foot Whole Foods location in Augusta, Georgia. Spearheaded by Jackson Mitchell, CEO of Jackson Mitchell Holdings, operator of five Little Giant Farmers Market locations, FreshTake seeks to elevate grocery shopping and dining, according to the company.
"We are thrilled to introduce FreshTake to Augusta," said Mitchell in a statement. "This store represents the culmination of my career and a deep love for the grocery business. Our goal is to create a space that not only offers top-quality groceries but also becomes a hub for the community, where people can come together to enjoy great food, entertainment, and convenience."
The store will feature seating for 130, two outdoor balconies, and a mezzanine seating area above the in-store cafe, providing customers a place to work or meet, according to the company. The location will also feature an outdoor patio with a walk-up barbecue smokehouse for lunch or dinner. There will be a fire pit and a 5-hole putting green for leisure activities.
Jackson’s, a beer and wine bar, will also open within the store with 10 tap beers, a wine selection, made-to-order sushi, and bar food items. FreshTake will also offer a dedicated sushi bar, pizza and pasta station, sandwich bar, full-service hot food bar, bakery, and a selection of imported cheeses. Focused on dining, it will also have a variety of grab-and-go items.
The full-service grocer will offer fresh produce, bulk food items, and a range of products including health and beauty items, general merchandise, and pharmacy. FreshTake will feature in-store butchers and a dedicated section for meat, categorized into prime, fresh, frozen, and packaged selections. Customers can select their choice of fresh meat and have it prepared by in-store chefs with a "grill while you shop" option. The fresh seafood department will also provide free steaming services.
"We are proud to continue our family's tradition of delivering the best quality meats to our customers," said Mitchell in a statement. "With FreshTake, we aim to raise the bar even higher and provide an unparalleled grocery shopping experience for the Augusta community."
Instacart pickup and delivery services will be available at the location. The store is slated to open in the summer of 2024.
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