I was invited back to the Ocean State to an exclusive tour of Dave's Marketplace pre-opening party.
Specialty and produce buyer Ken Banalewicz says the 10th store, a 30,000-square-foot location that has been empty for about five years, was previously occupied by a Seabra store.
Dave's, based in East Wawrick, R.I., gutted the entire store and added another couple thousand square feet from an adjacent property.
The interior features a Rhode Island covered bridge motif over the produce department, and a photographic mural across the entire side wall.
Produce cases have walls and LED lighting, as Dave's has started to add to all store remodels.
It was a fascinating experience to see the store the night before it opened, and a double bonus to be treated to in-house specialties from the kitchens Dave's is known for.
Thanks for inviting me, Kenny!
Click to see a slideshow from the Produce Retailer Flickr page.
