When the Fresh Market pulled out of the Lexington shopping center development on Sunset Boulevard at Palmetto Park Boulevard, it was uncertain what would replace the space, which was built out with the intention of being a specialty grocery store. But that intention is going to be fulfilled soon with the announcement that Publix will be locating its second Greenwise Market in South Carolina in the space.
But wait, isn’t there a Publix precisely one mile away? Yes, there is. But it won’t be the same, according to a Publix spokesperson.
“Our GreenWise Market is different from a traditional Publix store in that it is a specialty, natural and organic store with high-quality natural and organic products at the center of what we offer,” says Kim Reynolds, media and communications manager for Publix in South Carolina. “Further, it features in-house prepared meals and grab and go options made from organic and antibiotic-free ingredients. The store is also a smaller footprint than a traditional Publix and is designed to be a gathering place to include a beverage bar featuring wine and local beer.”
The goal is to open in the first quarter of 2020, says Darrell Palasciano, a leasing agent for The Shopping Center Group, who is handling leasing for that parcel. Palasciano also hopes that phase two of the development will start later this year. Palasciano says he visited the other Greenwise Market in Mt. Pleasant, thought it was a nice experience.
“It has more specialty items than where you’d go for your weekly shopping trip, he says.
Spring Brings Flower Festivals
It doesn’t feel like spring has really sprung until the pollen goes away and the Midlands Spring Plant and Flower Festival happens at the State Farmers Market. It’s happening Thursday, April 11, through Sunday, April 14. More than 85 vendors of plants, flowers, outdoor furniture, lawn and garden decor, and other garden-related speciaity items will be available for purchase. Local food trucks will help gardeners and gardeners-to-be full while browsing the proliferation of flora.
The festival hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free, and wagons will be available to rent, through visitors are encouraged to bring their own.
Library Farmers Market Returns
Richland Library is offering a few opportunities to check out something that doesn’t need to be returned — fruits, vegetables and more from their spring farmers market series. The main library at 1431 Assembly St. will host EZE Farms, Southern Sower, Mbabazi Bakery and Uncle Sonny’s Honey.
The farmers run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 10, 17 and 24. Various forms of payment, including cash, credit or debit cards, and SNAP, are accepted. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own reusable bags.
More Closings
A few more local restaurants have called it quits recently. Le Peep, a popular breakfast and brunch spot for the past five years, will be closing its downtown location at 701 Gervais St. to spend more time with family and pursue other endeavors, according to a Facebook post by the business. There’s still a Le Peep location in Northeast Columbia, at 110 Forum Drive, Suite 7, that will remain open.
Miyo’s in Sandhills, located at 715 Fashion Drive, has closed, too. Five Miyo’s/M locations remain: Lexington, Forest Drive, Harbison, M Vista, and M Kitchen in Irmo.
Got food or drink news? Email food@free-times.com.
