The City of Atlanta marked a major milestone on September 8 with the grand opening of Azalea Fresh Market, the city’s first municipal grocery store. Located in the historic Olympia Building in Downtown, the market opened its doors at 7:00 a.m. and welcomed 728 customers on its very first day, generating several thousand dollars in revenue.
This new store was created through a unique public-private partnership between the City of Atlanta, Invest Atlanta, Savi Provisions, the Independent Grocers Alliance, and community members. The goal: provide healthier, more affordable food options to neighborhoods facing limited grocery access.
Why It Matters
About 14 percent of Atlanta residents experience food insecurity, meaning they lack reliable access to fresh, nutritious meals. Azalea Fresh Market is designed to change that, offering fresh produce, dairy, meats, and pantry staples right in the heart of a USDA-designated low-income, low-access area.
“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 Mayor Andre Dickens, who also serves as Invest Atlanta Board Chair.
Beyond food, the market is also a community hub, supporting Georgia-grown products, creating jobs, and fueling Downtown’s ongoing revitalization.
By the Numbers
- 728 customers on opening day
- 5,500 residents expected to be served each month
- $6 million annual economic impact projected
- 60+ SCAD students and faculty helped design the store and branding
What’s Next
Azalea Fresh Market spans two levels. Shoppers will find a wide range of locally sourced groceries downstairs, while the upper floor offers prepared foods, sushi by High Roller Sushi, and a coffee shop run by locally owned Dope Coffee.
Invest Atlanta President and CEO Dr. Eloisa Klementich emphasized the broader impact: “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.”
Paul Nair, founder and CEO of Savi Provisions, sees Azalea as part of a bigger mission: “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.”
With support from the Independent Grocers Alliance, Azalea Fresh Market is being positioned as a model that could be replicated across Atlanta — showing how independent retailers can succeed in neighborhoods often overlooked by large chains.
Stay up to date on store events and offerings at azaleamarket.com or follow on Instagram @azaleafreshmarket.
