Sneak Peek: A Look Inside Rhode Island's First Market Basket

WARWICK, RI — Rhode Island's first Market Basket will officially open its doors to the public in just a few hours.

Patch got a sneak peek behind the scenes Thursday afternoon, getting a first look at the new grocery offering.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the store will not hold an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Instead, the store will open its doors at 7 a.m. and welcome the public, the same as any other day.

Store Director Kevin Perno, a decades-long Market Basket veteran, said that it was "an honor ... to be the face of Market Basket in Rhode Island, the first one."

The impending Market Basket arrival caused quite a stir in Rhode Island. The stores just over the border in Massachusetts, such as South Attleboro, Fall River and Bellingham drew large crowds of Rhode Island residents, said Manage of Store Operations David McLean.

"They all asked 'When is a store coming to Rhode Island?'" he said.

The Warwick store is the first of two Rhode Island Market Baskets set to open in 2021. A second store in Johnston, currently under construction, is expected to open in late August or early September, Perno said.

McLean said that the difference between Market Basket and other grocery chains is the company's commitment to customer service.

"We've held onto the old-fashioned values of people serving people," McLean said.

Unlike other grocery stores, Market Basket stores don't have self-checkout stations, McLean said, explaining that it's part of the company's value system.

"It's something we're proud of," he said.

Similarly, the store does not offer rewards programs or memberships, instead offering discounts to all shoppers.

"We try to make the shopping experience simple," McLean said, saying it was a "no gimmicks" policy.

As coronavirus restrictions continue to lift in Rhode Island, it's now up to businesses whether to require customers to wear masks or not. Until May 29, all Market basket employees will be masked as part of company policy, Perno said, but shoppers will not be required to wear a mask if they are fully vaccinated.

Employees will continue to clean carts daily, and wipes will be available around the stores for shoppers' use.

Related: Rhode Island's First Market Basket Opens This Week