Groundbreaking Set for Indy Fresh Market
Plans were announced for the construction of the Indy Fresh Market on the near northeast side of Indy in May 2021. (rendering provided)
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowOfficials in Indianapolis will Wednesday break ground on a full-service grocery store designed to alleviate a food desert on the city’s near northeast side. The Indy Fresh Market is being built by Bloomington-based Cook Medical Inc. as part of a deal that will eventually transfer ownership to two neighborhood entrepreneurs.
The 15,000-square-foot grocery store is being built near Cook Medical’s new medical device manufacturing facility, which is currently under construction. The company detailed plans for the store in May after discussions with members of the community.
The store, located near 38th Street and Sheridan Avenue, will be operated by Michael McFarland and Marckus Williams. The entrepreneurs have entered into a lease-to-own agreement, in which they will eventually own the real estate in addition to the store’s operations.
“This area has become known as the city’s hotspot for high crime, low income. And on top of that, a food desert,” McFarland said in May. “There are still not many healthy food options, and for some, little hope. That’s what we want to bring back to our community. We want families to feel safe, walking down the aisles and connecting with the neighbors and the fresh market.”
McFarland and Williams will be joined by Cook Medical President Pete Yonkman and others for the groundbreaking ceremony, which is scheduled for 11 a.m.