Atherton Market Grand Opening Event Saturday, June 12, 9 am - 2 pm

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- After a very favorable public reception to its first three weeks of operation, the Atherton Market will hold an official Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, June 12, 9 am - 2 pm. The Grand Opening celebration is being held to showcase Atherton Market's selection of locally-sourced items that includes fruits and vegetables, various meat and seafood offerings, fresh pastas, breads, artisan desserts, an array of prepared foods and vegetarian dishes, grass-fed dairy products, eggs and honey as well as a number of other local products such as handmade jewelry, fresh flowers and artisan soaps.

Along with the introduction of several new vendors to compliment the farms and other merchants already offering products at the market, the Grand Opening will feature an array of delectable tastings that include fresh breads, homemade salsas and sauces, fruits, pickles, and a selection of desserts along with beverages from Dynamite Coffee Roasting and Scott's Root Beer. A visit to the Atherton Market is always a family-friendly outing and the Grand Opening event will feature local artist Jan Cooley doing face painting for the kids and live music provided by one of Charlotte's favorite acts – Mike Strauss and Friends.

"We've gotten off to a phenomenal start," commented Lynn Caldwell, market manager of the Atherton Market.  "In less than a month, our customer turnout has greatly exceeded expectations and we've received tremendous support from the surrounding communities. In a very short time, Atherton Market has developed into a true destination point for Charlotte shoppers who want to buy local farm goods and fresh food."

"We believe the Farmer's Market reflects the values and needs of the surrounding neighborhood by delivering naturally grown and locally-sourced items," said Edens & Avant President and Chief Investment Officer, Jodie W. McLean. "The redevelopment at Atherton Mill is part of our larger strategy to reconnect with, and reinvest in, the communities where our assets are located. Our philosophy is to partner with the community and our retailers to ensure that our centers are truly reflective in both design and merchandising of the neighborhoods they are serving." 

Now open on Saturdays, 9 am - 2 pm, and Tuesdays, 11:30 am - 6:30 pm, Atherton Market is one of the many exciting retail and restaurant components of the redevelopment of Atherton Mill, including the recent opening of Ice House at South End by well-known, local restaurateur John Duncan, owner of Bonterra and other popular Charlotte restaurants. The owner of Atherton Mill, Edens & Avant, looks forward to announcing a number of additional new shops and eateries over the weeks to come.

Atherton Market is located in Charlotte's historic South End at 2104 South Boulevard just south of the intersection of South Boulevard & Tremont Avenue in the former Charlotte Trolley Barn. For more information about Atherton Market's Grand Opening, visit the market's facebook page at www.facebook.com/athertonmillandmarket or follow on Twitter @AthertonMillMkt. For media inquiries, please call 803-744-2446.

About Edens & Avant:  Edens & Avant develops, owns and operates neighborhood shopping centers in primary markets throughout the East Coast. Focusing on innovative development and redevelopment together with key acquisitions in urban areas, the Company has built a portfolio of more than 128 retail centers in 15 states. Edens & Avant has Regional Headquarters in Boston, Washington DC, Atlanta, Miami and Columbia, SC (Corporate Office). For additional information about the Company and its retail real estate portfolio, please visit www.edensandavant.com.

SOURCE Edens & Avant