After two years in the works, the owners of Salt7 opened their new venture, Eat Market, earlier this month. The bodega-like shop brings groceries, prepared foods and a fresh meat counter to the heart of downtown.
“The citizens of Delray have been clamoring for something where they have plenty of choices,” said co-owner Larry Thomas.
Worthington Place resident Heather Davis said she’d already shopped at Eat Market three times during its first two days in business.
It’s a bit of New York City in Delray, Davis said, since both are walking towns. She applauds the convenience the store adds to the neighborhood.
“You can pick up a steak to grill at home, and you don’t have to make a trip to the grocery store,” Davis said.
“What we wanted to create is a Whole Foods and Fresh Market smashed into a Dean & DeLuca,” Thomas said.
To find just the right design, Thomas and his partners took a two-day trip to New York City to scout out the latest retail trends.
“We went to 16 delis in 12 hours. We went in, got inspired and left,” he said. Armed with ideas, they spent a year formulating a plan.
Feedback from locals weighed heavily. Worthington Place inhabitants were queried on 60 areas that could be incorporated into a store.
“Our employees from Salt7 were also a sounding board,” Thomas said. They wanted a place to buy an energy drink or a quick bite to eat.
Eat Market’s utility reflects Thomas’ research.
The 2,000-square-foot space has an urban look with its mix of industrial chic and repurposed wood elements.
Wine and household necessities line wire shelving. Coolers are stocked with ready-to-eat snacks such as hummus with vegetable dippers and house-cured pickles ($4.99).
“The Mason Jar salads ($8.99) are layered so that they don’t pre-mix,” Thomas said. They’re’ sold with a bamboo fork to be “green.” The jars are reusable with a $1 refundable deposit.
Made-to-order sandwiches such as the Mamma Luke ($12.95) on grilled garlic bread layered with blackened Toscano salami, soppressata, mortadella, goat cheese and arugula, are popular.
Eat Market’s pastry chef starts her day at 2 a.m. to bake doughnuts, cakes, confections – and churn homemade ice cream.
“The bagels are New York style,” Davis said. “I’m always searching for good bagels. These are excellent.”
A grand opening party and Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting takes place on Oct. 29 from 4 to 5 p.m. Samples will be served.
Eat Market is at 32 SE Second Ave. in Delray Beach. It’s open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Monday and Tuesday; from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday; and from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Call 561-278-2328.
