The Fresh Market’s Greater Charleston area debut proved popular for the specialty grocer, with huge crowds of guests throughout opening day.

“We are extremely pleased with the response to our new store,” said The Fresh Market CEO Brian Johnson. “We have a great team that is excited to bring our brand of impeccable hospitality to the town of Mount Pleasant.”

New guests partook in a myriad of The Fresh Market opening traditions including a bread breaking ceremony and the cracking of an 80lbs wheel of parmesan cheese. Additionally, the first 120 guests received a free, 4-inch potted orchid and the first 500 guests were given a The Fresh Market, Mount Pleasant reusable grocery bag.

The Fresh Market also continued its commitment of supporting a local food bank with every new store launch. On Saturday, the team kicked off their partnership with the Lowcountry Food Bank and presented a $2,000 donation to the organization.

The Mount Pleasant location is The Fresh Market’s latest in a trio of new store openings; Wethersfield, Connecticut, and Jensen Beach, Florida, opened exactly one week earlier. The three stores cap an exciting period of growth for the specialty grocer, which has opened 11 grocery retail locations and the new Spirits & Wine concept in the past six months.

The new 25,000 square foot store is stocked with a carefully curated selection of high-quality meats and seafood, along with fresh produce, local finds, and a unique collection of international products. For guests in search of a convenient, high-quality meal, The Fresh Market boasts a broad selection of restaurant-quality prepared meals and sides and ready-to-cook, ready-to-heat options.