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Fresh Market's grand reopening features tastings, demos, samples, giveaways

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 9, 2026

A new spring mural painted on the front windows and containers of lush green plants will greet visitors when The Fresh Market in Hendersonville reopens Wednesday morning, 18 months after flooding from Hurricane Helene forced its closure.

Workers were busy both inside and outside the store on Monday.

Denise Wallace, who has worked for the Fresh Market for 21 years, was happy to be back at work at the Hendersonville store after Helene’s catastrophic flooding forced it to close. Wallace and her coworkers moved to other Fresh Market locations in the area while repairs were made.

"Hendersonville has always been a special part of our North Carolina story," the Greensboro-based boutique supermarket chain said. "As one of our very first stores, this is more than a reopening — it’s a homecoming. After the impact of Hurricane Helene, we’re grateful to return — rebuilt, refreshed and ready to welcome you back."

A five-day celebration including special tastings, sweet treats, a grilling station, giveaways and live bluegrass music starts with a soft opening on Wednesday and grand reopening Saturday. Events Wednesday include:

  • 7:30 a.m.: Bread Breaking Ceremony. Events open with the warm tradition of breaking bread with friends. The first 300 guests will each receive a Fresh Market Hendersonville bag.
  • 8 a.m.: The Fresh Market Coffee Tasting – TFM Signature Blend Bags Giveaway
  • 9 a.m.: Cracking of Parm Demo/Sampling and Packaged Grated Parm Giveaway
  • 10 a.m.: Sumo Orange Slices Dipped in Chocolate Demo/Sampling and Whole Sumo Giveaway
  • 2 p.m.: Sushi Making Demo/Sampling and 2-piece box California Roll Giveaway
  • 4 p.m.: TFM Coffee Tasting – TFM Signature Blend Bags Giveaway

The store's "Homecoming Celebration" from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14, includes:

  • Grilling station
  • Live bluegrass music
  • Kids’ activities: Face painting, balloon artist, branded coloring books
  • Drawings for giveaways