‘Fresh’ Banner Bows in Maryland/DC Area

Natural Market Restaurants Corp. has opened eight locations under the Fresh & Green’s banner in Maryland and Washington. The restocked and newly staffed stores, which were acquired last month from the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., which operated them under the Super Fresh banner, offer affordable conventional, natural and prepared foods.

“We are extremely grateful for the warm welcome we have received from customers, employees and community leaders," said Matt Williams, CEO of Toronto-based Natural Market, which operates several food retail and restaurant banners in both the United States and Canada, among them Mrs. Green’s Natural Market food stores in the U.S. Northeast, and a soon-to-be-opened 30,000-square-foot Wilde & Greene flagship restaurant and natural food store in the Chicago area. “We are investing in these vibrant communities and are committed to offering them an outstanding food shopping experience.”

Although Natural Market was eager to get the new banner up and running as soon as possible to avoid length closures, full renovation of the locations will take place at a later date. "Our No. 1 priority has been to prepare staff and to ramp up the product supply,” explained Williams. “We will continue to expand inventories so our customers can expect to enjoy an even greater selection of their favorite brands, along with new and healthier options, including nutritious prepared meals, [and] natural local and organic foods.”

The Fresh & Green's concept provides customers with affordable natural and healthy food choices, while still carrying all of the conventional food products and brands they want. Hallmarks of the banner’s shopping experience are knowledgeable associates and a welcoming, informed customer environment.

The recently opened stores are located in Baltimore; Brunswick, Md.; Chestertown, Md.; Washington; and Parkville, Md. The location at 4330 48th Street, N.W. in Washington is believed to be the first U.S. store owned by Natural Market to operate as a union shop, after former Super Fresh workers rehired by Fresh & Green’s represented by United Food & Commercial Workers Local 400 ratified a new contract earlier this month.