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MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Shoppers in Midtown now have more grocery store options. Gordon Food Service Store opened Thursday on Union Avenue.

The 27,000-square-foot store supplies food to restaurants, bars, and other food service professionals but is also open to the public.

“We take care of a lot of the needs you have at home,” said store manager Matt Makowski. “We have lots of fresh produce. That is very important to us.”

At first glance, Gordon Food Service looks like a traditional grocer with a deli section and bakery.

However, it also has a wholesale customer cooler full of produce, meat, and dairy products. The store also sells fresh meats by the piece or case.

“We have our gourmet popcorn popped right in the store every day,” Makowski said. “We have fresh juices. I think we have fifteen varieties we make every single day.”

The store also has an indoor food truck that will eventually serve to-go food.

Before the doors opened at 7 a.m Thursday, the first shopper was raring to go, Makowski says.

“There’s a food truck operator who stood outside. He got here around 6 a.m and broke his own routine to make sure he was the first customer in,” Makowski said.

As Geraldine Holmes put it, the store is offering a fresh start for job seekers.

“I think there are new job opportunities. We don’t have to travel so far to shop,” Holmes said. “I’m always glad when we hear new businesses are coming to Memphis. I love Memphis.”

Those we spoke with say the chance to buy in bulk really is a cost saving measure not only for themselves, but for their family as well as their friends.

“I have several people who have their own restaurant I know several people,” said Thelma Hubbard said. “So this is another option for them.”

There are 176 Gordon Food Service Stores across the country. The Memphis store will be the sixth in Tennessee.

Gordon Food Service Store Memphis will be open 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Sunday. The store does not require a membership.

You can click here for current job opportunities at the new Midtown store.