Bedminster Fresh Market Due to Open Dec. 11

The new Fresh Market that is nearing completion in the space formerly occupied by the former A&P in Bedminster is due to open on Dec. 11, with a 22,000-square foot specialty food market that would be the company's second store in New Jersey.

The Fresh Market's newest location will be at 75 Washington Valley Road, in the Somerset Hills Shopping Center on the corner of Route 202/206 in Bedminster.

Doors will open at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11 to grand opening activities will include chef demonstrations, food sampling throughout the store, and drawings for The Fresh Market gift cards, according to a news release from The Fresh Market. A sample-sized bag of the company’s gourmet coffee and a reusable shopping bag will be free to the first 1,000 customers.

The new store will house about 22,100 square feet of culinary delights, the release said, including a bakery that produces 30 freshly baked breads and 14 different pie varieties daily, a full service meat counter with freshly ground beef, a wide selection of ready-to-serve entrées, fresh seafood delivered to the store several times per week, and more than 200 imported and domestic cheeses. A produce department with more than 400 items and a large organic selection, is part of the the market, the release said.

“We are excited to open our new store in Bedminster and to expand our reach in New Jersey,” said Craig Carlock, the company’s president and chief executive officer. “We look forward to introducing The Fresh Market’s concept of quality perishables, excellent customer service and a unique atmosphere to an expanded customer base, and we look forward to offering neighboring communities a rewarding new food shopping experience.”

“The Fresh Market is excited to be an active member of the Bedminster community,” said Matt Argano, the company’s senior vice president of human resources. “The company has made a significant investment in the market and we are pleased to be bringing approximately 90 new jobs to the area, most of which are being filled locally.”

The Fresh Market is bringiing about 90 new jobs to the area, most being filled locally, said Matt Argano, the company's senior vice president of human resources. “The Fresh Market is excited to be an active member of the Bedminster community,” said Matt Argano, the company’s senior vice president of human resources.

Carlock called the The Fresh Market an atmosphere "reminiscent of European markets. Our customers enjoy shopping in an environment that appeals to all the senses. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and bread right out of the oven, the sound of classical music, soft lighting with antique décor in an intimate setting, and the ability to select and taste fresh, high-quality products all work together to create surroundings where customers are encouraged to experience the food.”

Employees will be available to offer cooking can often be found advice or share their favorite tips to help customers create the perfect meal, the release said. 

The release added that as part of being committed to the community, The Fresh Market will partner with the Food Bank Network of Somerset County by providing regular donations of food. In addition, as part of the company’s focus on providing the freshest, best quality products, the store will feature a growing number of local and regional products from area growers and producers.