Local Groceries – Scottie's Playtime

First-of-its-kind grocery store opening in ‘food desert’ Downtown Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A first-of-its-kind grocery store is getting ready to open its doors in Downtown Atlanta — and city leaders say it could be a game-changer for tackling food insecurity.

Azalea Fresh Market is moving into the historic Olympia Building, most recently home to a Walgreens, near Woodruff Park. Crews have been busy sprucing up the space this week with fresh signage and sidewalk cleaning ahead of the grand opening.

What makes the store unique is how it’s funded. The project is a partnership between the City of Atlanta, Savi Provisions, a supermarket chain with multiple Atlanta locations, and Invest Atlanta, an economic development agency. The city invested $3.5 million into the $5.4 million project

City leaders say food deserts disproportionately affect low-income neighborhoods. The grocery store is designed to bring affordable, fresh options right into the heart of downtown.

The investment also includes safety improvements.

“We made a commitment to this location, to Savi and to the residents and businesses of downtown — particularly right here near Woodruff Park. We’re going to make sure that it’s safe,” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said.

People who live, work and study downtown say they’re excited about having healthier choices close by.

“If I have the option and I know it’s going to be just as good, I’ll probably go for the healthier option,” college student Nolan Williams said.

According to Invest Atlanta, the store is expected to generate $15 million in overall economic impact for the area. Plans are already underway for a second location on Campbellton Road in Southwest Atlanta later this year.

Azalea Fresh Market downtown will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. It’s set to open soon, but an exact date has not yet been announced.