The Fresh Market

Jupiter, Fla. — The Fresh Market has signed on as anchor tenant at The Shops at Fisherman’s Wharf in Jupiter, Fla., according to Elion Partners, a real estate investment firm that acquired the property in August. The specialty grocer plans to open in the summer of 2014.

Now under renovation, the 5.5-acre shopping plaza will soon resemble a European village with a pedestrian-friendly setting and a selection of new retailers.

The Fresh Market experienced an unanticipated sales slowdown across its store base, which it attributes to changing economic conditions and softening consumer confidence. Despite the slowdown, the company’s comparable-store sales grew and its gross margin expanded.

Chicago — Mid-America Asset Management Inc. has announced that three new restaurants have taken space in Chicagoland shopping centers.

Restaurant franchise Red Snapper has leased 1,800 sq. ft. at Dorchester Commons in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago. Mid-America represented the landlord. The tenant was self-represented.

Greensboro, N.C. -- The Fresh Market Inc. grew net income, same-store sales and net sales during first quarter 2013. Net income rose 14% to $22.1 million, from $19.3 million in the prior year.

Net sales jumped 13% to $366.6 million.

GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Fresh Market, a high growth specialty retailer of high quality food products, has announced the resignation of Randy Kelley as SVP real estate and development who will leave the company to pursue a new business opportunity. Kelley will remain with the company through early spring.

New York -- The Fresh Market announced the resignation of Randy Kelley as SVP real estate and development. Kelley, who is leaving the grocer, to pursue a new business opportunity, will remain with the company through early spring.

Valrico, Fla. -- Indianapolis-based Kite Realty Group said Wednesday that The Fresh Market has leased 18,091 sq. ft. at Lithia Crossing, located in Valrico, Fla.
 
The grocer will also open a store at Shops at Eagle Creek, in Naples, Fla. The new store will comprise 23,935 sq. ft.

Ashburn, Va. -- Miller and Smith, along with JV partner North America Sekisui House, said Tuesday that The Fresh Market will open a new store at One Loudoun, in Loudoun County, Va.

The 23,000-sq.-ft. specialty grocer will break ground in January 2013 and is slated to open fall 2013.  

Greensboro, N.C. - The Fresh Market said Wednesday it has entered into agreements to lease four new store locations that are currently operated as Rice Epicurean Markets, a family-owned specialty food retailer based in Houston.

Rice Epicurean Markets will continue to operate the stores through the end of the year, and will close these four stores during the first quarter of 2013.

An 8% same store sales increase is atypical for a food retailer which is why The Fresh Market’s second quarter performance is so noteworthy.