First Municipal Grocery Store Opens in Atlanta Through Unique Public-Private Partnership

First Municipal Grocery Store Opens in Atlanta Through Unique Public-Private Partnership

ATLANTA-The City of Atlanta in partnership with Invest Atlanta and Savi Provisions announced the opening of Azalea Fresh Market, a first-of-its-kind municipal grocery store located in Downtown Atlanta. The store officially opened to the public at 7:00 a.m. on Monday, September 8. In that first day, Azalea welcomed 728 customers and brought in several thousands of dollars in revenue.

Azalea Fresh Market is the result of a collaborative effort between the City of Atlanta, Invest Atlanta, Savi Provisions, the Independent Grocers Alliance and community members who identified a pressing need for more affordable, fresh and healthy food options in Atlanta. With 14 percent of Atlanta experiencing food insecurity, this initiative provides access to nutritious food in a USDA designated low-income, low-access area while also fostering economic growth and job creation within the community. The store is located in the historic Olympia Building, now repurposed for this novel use.

"Our Administration made a commitment to expand access to fresh food across the city, and Azalea Market-in the heart of Downtown-is a significant milestone in ensuring healthy, whole neighborhoods; and this is just the beginning," said Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, who also serves as Invest Atlanta Board Chair. "This grocery store is not just a place to shop-it is a community hub that will serve neighborhood residents, support Georgia grown products and promote healthier lifestyles as we continue to revitalize Downtown."

The design of the store and its operations was a collaborative effort between Invest Atlanta, the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs, Savi Provisions, creative agency Cohere and Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). Students and faculty at SCAD's Atlanta campus also contributed to developing the concept and its name. More than 60 talented students from 10 of SCAD's top-ranked degree programs contributed to this transformational project.

"The opening of the city's first municipal grocery store will not only enhance access to fresh, affordable food but also stimulate local job growth and continue to invigorate the Downtown economy," said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, President and CEO of Invest Atlanta. "Slated to serve more than 5,500 people per month, the estimated total economic impact from this store is over $6 million a year. This initiative is another example of Atlanta leading the way in addressing food access and food insecurity with a new grocery store model that will foster sustainable community development and enrich the lives of local residents."

Spanning two levels, Azalea Fresh Market will offer a wide range of products, including fresh produce, dairy, meats, and pantry staples, with a focus on sourcing from local farmers and suppliers to support the regional economy. In addition, the store's upstairs level will feature an array of delicious, prepared food, hand rolled sushi from Atlanta's High Roller Sushi, and an in-store coffee shop by locally owned Dope Coffee.

"At Savi Provisions, we've always believed in giving back - but this initiative goes beyond one-time efforts and cements our commitment to being an Atlanta institution that truly serves and partners with community," says Paul Nair, founder and CEO of Savi Provisions and the owner/operator of Azalea Fresh Market. "We look forward to growing the Azalea Fresh Market brand and working together with stakeholders across the city to make this a truly accessible and homegrown concept." Savi Provisions currently has 24 storefronts across Georgia and North Carolina and was founded by Nair in 2009/

"The Independent Grocers Alliance is honored to work alongside Savi Provisions, Invest Atlanta and the City of Atlanta to bring this vision to life," said John Ross, CEO of IGA, the retail consulting group partnering with Invest Atlanta to address food access through Technical Assistance for independent retailers. "This initiative reflects the very best of what independent grocers can do when given the right support. Large chains may bypass these neighborhoods, but with the right guidance and resources, independents like Savi can step in to provide access to fresh, affordable food and become true community anchors. We're proud to contribute our expertise to help ensure Azalea Fresh Market thrives as both a neighborhood grocery and a model for addressing food insecurity across Atlanta and beyond."

Real time updates on store events and offerings can be found at azaleamarket.com and on Instagram (@azaleafreshmarket).

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For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit https://www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @CityofAtlanta.