LATHAM — “We inspire people to make every day eating extraordinary.”
Such is the mission statement of The Fresh Market, and for 35 years, at 160 locations in 22 states, that has been its goal.
Each store is unique in its own way, catering to the local clientele but the basic philosophy is the same. At the Latham store at the corner of New Loudon Road and Route 155, for example, each week it offers a “Little Big Meal,” enough food for a family of four for just $20. Every Tuesday, it offers boneless, skinless chicken breast and ground chuck for $2.99 a pound.
This Valentine’s Day, Fresh Market is offering a complete Valentine’s Day meal where you and your significant other can cook and enjoy a meal together without the wait of a busy restaurant.
The customers can pick between two entrées, filet mignon, lobster tails or sea bass, paired with whipped potatoes, asparagus tips, garlic parmesan butter and mini chocolate lava bundt cakes.
The meal is completed with a dozen roses and it’s all for $59.99.
Each individual location also has its own Facebook page to better connect with the community it strives to be a part of.
For example, stores throughout the company generated $425,000 through its 1-3-5 Food Drive in May — when summer break starts and students no longer are eating lunch at school — and that money was dispersed to local food banks within each store’s community. In November, a portion of every pie sold was donated to Feeding America.
The company takes pride in supporting non-profit organizations in each store location by donating gift cars, food trays, gift baskets, bottled water and many other items to those in need when they need it.
“Our founders wanted to create a space that focused on the value of supporting local growers and charities, while offering the freshest and most delicious foods possible,” according to the company website. “The Fresh Market is proud to provide our guests with a warm and inviting shopping experience in every community we serve.”
The Latham store, located at the intersection of Routes 9 and 155, opened in 2010, and there is also a local location in Saratoga.