Atlanta Launches First Taxpayer-Funded City-Operated Grocery Store
FOX Business’ Ashley Webster has the latest on the store’s efforts to target a ‘food desert’ on ‘Varney & Co.’
O’Leary Ventures Chairman Kevin O’Leary explains why city-run grocery stores are a ‘bad idea,’ shares concerns over Zohran Mamdani’s promises, and discusses why he backs Bitzero.
Atlanta has made headlines with the launch of its first government-operated grocery store, Azalea Fresh Market. City officials report that the store has enjoyed a successful start, serving as a vital resource in a long-standing food desert.
This community-driven grocery store, funded by taxpayers, is strategically located in downtown Atlanta. The initiative was a collaborative effort involving the City of Atlanta, Invest Atlanta, IGA, and Savi Provisions, and it has already served tens of thousands of customers since its opening last fall.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens shared with Black Enterprise that the store welcomed over 20,000 customers within its initial weeks of operation. “Our Administration made a commitment to expand access to fresh food across the city, and Azalea Fresh Market is a significant milestone in ensuring healthy, whole neighborhoods,” Dickens stated, also noting his role as Invest Atlanta Board Chair.
Azalea Fresh Market in Atlanta is the first municipal grocery store in the state. (Fox 5 Atlanta)
Dickens emphasized that the store serves as a “community hub” for local residents, supporting Georgia-grown products and promoting healthier lifestyles as part of the ongoing revitalization of Downtown Atlanta. Dr. Eloisa Klementich, CEO of Invest Atlanta, echoed this sentiment, stating that the store aims to stimulate local job growth and invigorate the Downtown economy.
“This initiative is another example of Atlanta leading the way in addressing food access and food insecurity with a new grocery store model that will foster sustainable community development and enrich the lives of local residents,” Klementich added.
The store operates daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., spanning two levels and offering a diverse range of products, including fresh produce, dairy, meats, and pantry staples. It prioritizes sourcing from local farmers and suppliers to bolster the regional economy.
Azalea Fresh Market in Atlanta is the first municipal grocery store in the state. (Fox 5 Atlanta)
Atlanta’s initiative is garnering attention from other cities, some of which have faced challenges in sustaining similar government-backed grocery stores, while others are contemplating launching their own. New York City’s newly elected socialist mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has proposed the idea of city-owned grocery stores, which has sparked a mix of support and opposition.
Zohran Mamdani, New York City mayoral candidate, speaks during the United Federation of Teachers mayoral forum in New York on May 17, 2025. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Mamdani’s campaign focused on progressive policies aimed at reducing the cost of living, including the establishment of a network of city-owned grocery stores. However, this proposal has faced significant backlash from business leaders. Billionaire grocery executive John Catsimatidis even threatened to close or sell his Gristedes locations if the city pursued government-run supermarkets.
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While Catsimatidis later retracted his threats, he has indicated plans to minimize his company’s exposure in New York.
FOX Business’ Ashley Webster has the latest on the store’s efforts to target a ‘food desert’ on ‘Varney & Co.’
O’Leary Ventures Chairman Kevin O’Leary explains why city-run grocery stores are a ‘bad idea,’ shares concerns over Zohran Mamdani’s promises, and discusses why he backs Bitzero.
Atlanta has made headlines with the launch of its first government-operated grocery store, Azalea Fresh Market. City officials report that the store has enjoyed a successful start, serving as a vital resource in a long-standing food desert.
This community-driven grocery store, funded by taxpayers, is strategically located in downtown Atlanta. The initiative was a collaborative effort involving the City of Atlanta, Invest Atlanta, IGA, and Savi Provisions, and it has already served tens of thousands of customers since its opening last fall.
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens shared with Black Enterprise that the store welcomed over 20,000 customers within its initial weeks of operation. “Our Administration made a commitment to expand access to fresh food across the city, and Azalea Fresh Market is a significant milestone in ensuring healthy, whole neighborhoods,” Dickens stated, also noting his role as Invest Atlanta Board Chair.
Azalea Fresh Market in Atlanta is the first municipal grocery store in the state. (Fox 5 Atlanta)
Dickens emphasized that the store serves as a “community hub” for local residents, supporting Georgia-grown products and promoting healthier lifestyles as part of the ongoing revitalization of Downtown Atlanta. Dr. Eloisa Klementich, CEO of Invest Atlanta, echoed this sentiment, stating that the store aims to stimulate local job growth and invigorate the Downtown economy.
“This initiative is another example of Atlanta leading the way in addressing food access and food insecurity with a new grocery store model that will foster sustainable community development and enrich the lives of local residents,” Klementich added.
The store operates daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., spanning two levels and offering a diverse range of products, including fresh produce, dairy, meats, and pantry staples. It prioritizes sourcing from local farmers and suppliers to bolster the regional economy.
Azalea Fresh Market in Atlanta is the first municipal grocery store in the state. (Fox 5 Atlanta)
Atlanta’s initiative is garnering attention from other cities, some of which have faced challenges in sustaining similar government-backed grocery stores, while others are contemplating launching their own. New York City’s newly elected socialist mayor, Zohran Mamdani, has proposed the idea of city-owned grocery stores, which has sparked a mix of support and opposition.
Zohran Mamdani, New York City mayoral candidate, speaks during the United Federation of Teachers mayoral forum in New York on May 17, 2025. (Michael Nagle/Bloomberg/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Mamdani’s campaign focused on progressive policies aimed at reducing the cost of living, including the establishment of a network of city-owned grocery stores. However, this proposal has faced significant backlash from business leaders. Billionaire grocery executive John Catsimatidis even threatened to close or sell his Gristedes locations if the city pursued government-run supermarkets.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
While Catsimatidis later retracted his threats, he has indicated plans to minimize his company’s exposure in New York.
