12�NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025 ABASTO.COM By Abasto P ublic-private partner- ship launches Azalea Fresh Market to fght food insecurity and boost the local economy Te frst municipal gro- cery store in Atlanta opened its doors Monday, Septem- ber 8, through a landmark public-private partnership, marking a new model for tackling food insecurity and revitalizing downtown. Azalea Fresh Market wel- comed more than 700 custo- mers on opening day, inside the historic Olympia Building. A PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP FOR FOOD ACCESS City ofcials, Invest Atlanta, Savi Provisions and the In- dependent Grocers Alliance joined forces to deliver the project. Leaders framed the opening as a turning point in eforts to bring fresh, afor- dable food to underserved neighborhoods. Mayor Andre Dickens said this frst municipal grocery store demonstrates First Municipal Grocery Store Opens in Downtown Atlanta Atlanta’s broader commit- ment to healthy, thriving communities. “Azalea Market—in the heart of Downtown—is a signifcant milestone in en- suring healthy, whole neigh- borhoods; and this is just the beginning,” Dickens said. He added, “this grocery store is not just a place to shop—it is a community hub that will support Geor- gia-grown products and healthier lifestyles.” WHY THE FIRST MUNICIPAL GROCERY STORE IN ATLANTA MATTERS Nearly 14 percent of city residents experience food insecurity. Te new store ad- dresses that gap by providing access to nutritious food in a USDA designated low-inco- me, low-access area. Dr. Eloisa Klementich, pre- sident and CEO of Invest At- lanta, said the project shows how partnerships can stren- gthen both health and the economy with job creation within the community. “Slated to serve more than 5,500 people per mon- th, the estimated economic impact exceeds $6 million annually,” Klementich said. LOCAL TALENT SHAPES AZALEA FRESH MARKET Te design and identity of Azalea Fresh Market grew from collaboration with SCAD students and facul- ty, Cohere, and the Mayor’s Ofce of Cultural Afairs. More than 60 students across 10 programs helped defne the concept, adding creative depth to the city’s frst municipal grocery store. INDEPENDENT GROCERS STEP UP Independent Grocers Alliance CEO John Ross called the store a model for retailers across the nation. “Large chains may bypass these neighbor- hoods, but with the right guidance and resources, independents like Savi can step in to provide ac- cess to fresh, afordable food and become true community anchors,” Ross said. Ofcials said the first municipal grocery store in Atlanta is more than a market—it is an anchor for downtown renewal. Mayor Dickens noted the project is only the beginning of wider food access initiatives. “With Azalea Market, we’ve taken a major step toward healthy, whole neighborhoods,” Dickens said. INSIDE AZALEA FRESH MARKET Te two-level store sells fresh produce, meats, dairy and pantry staples. It also highli- ghts prepared meals, sushi from Atlanta’s High Roller Sushi, and locally roasted co- fee from Dope Cofee. Savi Provisions founder Paul Nair, who operates the market, said the project re- fects a lasting commitment. “Tis initiative cements our role as an Atlanta insti- tution that partners with the community,” Nair said. “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.” IN THE NEWS