The Fresh Market supermarket to open in Lakewood Ranch

The Fresh Market is opening a new location in Lakewood Ranch April 24. 

A grand opening event will feature a Parmigiano Reggiano wheel-cracking, food samples and live music from international concert cellist Steve Kramer. 

An opening ceremony will be at 7:45 am., while the actual store opening will be at 8 a.m. To encourage guests to arrive early, the first 500 people in line will receive free reusable bags.

Founded in 1982 in North Carolina, The Fresh Market is known for its “farmer’s market atmosphere,” along with bins of coffee, butcher shop, in-store bakery, fresh flowers, fish market, cured meats and fresh cheese, according to a statement from the company.

It is the latest grocery store to come to The Green at Lakewood Ranch, located in the spot where Winn Dixie used to be, near CVS, Salon Lofts, 3Natives and BurgerFi.

There are more than 160 Fresh Market locations nationwide, including nearly 50 in Florida. 

“Florida is a key part of our existing business,” CEO Jason Potter tells trade publication Progressive Grocer.

The Lakewood Ranch location is the third for Manatee County, which also has stores on University Parkway and Manatee Avenue West. 

The latest Fresh Market will be at 11525 State Road 70 E., Lakewood Ranch.