NEW ALBANY — New Albany is set to check-off an important need from its downtown services and entertainment list.
By Harvest Homecoming, owner Stacey Freibert hopes to have Seeds and Greens Natural Market & Deli open for business. Located near the Main Street intersection off West First Street, the historic building has a fresh bright green coat of paint on its exterior, and will soon be full of fresh produce and locally raised meats.
“I’m definitely about supporting local farmers and farm products,” said Freibert, who is a Floyd County native.
It’s her first grocery store, and she didn’t want to open just any food market, or at just any location. Downtown New Albany was the only place Freibert eyed for her business, and her desire to bring healthier food options to customers has guided the inventory of her store.
From vegetarian sandwiches and salads to farm-fresh eggs and organic products, Seeds and Greens will be stocked with healthy foods raised and prepared locally.
Even notable soda products will be replaced with healthier, independent brands.
The grocery will have different layers of service for customers, as there will be standard products for purchase as well as in-store dining options. There will be spaces by the front and rear entrances for the lunch and dinner crowds.
For the vegetarian, humus sandwiches, bean burgers and a wide variety of salads are on the menu. But Freibert, who has a background in graphic design and marketing, isn’t just focusing on niche diets, as omnivores will be able to order turkey, ham or chicken paninis as well as club sandwiches and wraps.
“I really want this to be a market for everyone in Floyd County,” she said.
Two chefs — each dedicated to natural foods and supporting local farmers but with different styles — have been hired to oversee the kitchen. Freibert said she’s received a great response from perspective employees and hasn’t had any trouble finding qualified workers.
In fact, Freibert conceded the whole process has been much easier than she anticipated.
Though the store has yet to open, The Seeds and Greens Facebook page already has more than 1,100 likes. The community has welcomed the launch of the store, and Freibert said Seeds and Greens will give Southern Indiana residents the option of purchasing quality, local products without driving to natural food markets in Louisville.
Freibert said she wants to be trusted for providing fresh, quality produce and meat that’s local and tasty. And more than just the end product, Freibert said her mission is to also educate customers about the importance of eating natural foods.
There will be subtle messages in the form of signs and posters in the market that will discuss the health benefits of consuming natural foods. She doesn’t want to overwhelm people with facts about what they eat, but does plan to make Seeds and Greens more than just a grocery store.
A portion of the building was actually once used as a grocery. Another part of the structure dates back to the mid 19th Century, and was used as a Civil War hospital.
Local developer Steve Resch was hired to build out the property into a grocery store. As has become a staple for Resch, he repurposed materials from other New Albany buildings in the construction of Seeds and Greens.
Freibert said she’s pleased with the detail and craftsmanship of Resch and his team.
The business garnered a $50,000 loan from the Horseshoe Foundation of Floyd County to help start the business.
Seeds and Greens has an alcohol license and will sell local craft beers and wines. Next year, Freibert plans to add outdoor seating in a garden setting in the rear of the property.