For many years, Grand Rapids has implemented many ways in which to keep the economy moving forward. To continue to achieve this goal, the city has had an accessible farmer’s market in the works, and at 7 a.m. on February 24, the Fresh Thyme Farmer’s Market will be opening on Burton Street. Thanks to an investment from Meijer some time after the first Michigan opening in East Lansing in 2015, Fresh Thyme had the opportunity to branch out and open stores throughout the state and the rest of the midwest. Fresh Thyme has plans to open more than 60 midwest stores by the year 2020, at least a third of which will be located in the Chicago area.

The Fresh Thyme Farmer’s Market has been described as a hybrid between a Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, as it has unique products similar to Trader Joe’s offering of unique choices, and offers organic produce similar to those that can be found at Whole Foods. This new farmer’s market provides a place for people to shop for fresh and organic produce as well as hormone-free meat and fresh seafood. The goal of having a market such as this is to provide organic food to everyone without being as intimidating or expensive as upscale organic markets such as Whole Foods. This easy access allows Fresh Thyme to be a gateway towards a healthier and more progressive lifestyle that draws the focus away from processed foods and towards fresher products.

Fresh Thyme has often been compared to a Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, but Fresh Thyme CEO Chris Sherrell says that he supports the concept of those specialty stores and does not oppose the comparison. However, there are big enough differences that set it apart. Fresh Thyme stores will be full service grocery stores that are larger than a traditional Whole Foods, but smaller than a traditional Trader Joe’s.

What Fresh Thyme wants to set its focus on is the more perishable side of the grocery business, with at least half of the store dedicated to fresh produce, organic meats and fresh seafood. Usually, grocery stores are centered around general merchandise, but Fresh Thyme is centered around fresh foods, which encourages shoppers to be more aware of the fresh and healthy foods that are available for purchase.