Fairfield full-service grocery store to open

FAIRFIELD, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Carver Jones Market Fairfield is getting ready to open its doors Wednesday.

The store is named after George Washington Carver and Frederick McKinley Jones, who were pioneers in the food industry.

“We want to create an atmosphere for our young people to understand there’s greatness in them,” said James Harris, the president and CEO of Carver Jones Market Fairfield. “We started with the name. We exercise it with what we do.”

The full-service grocery store will offer fresh produce in a former food desert. Right now, Fairfield residents have to drive to Bessemer, Midfield or Hueytown for grocery shopping. That’s about to change thanks to the vision of Harris.

Workers were stocking the freezers Friday. Fresh fruits and vegetables were still arriving, and the signage was still being put in place at the former eyesore on the corner of Gary Avenue and 48th Street.

“We wanted to show people that, especially in these urban communities, that there’s a way back to what some would call hope, and I really believe with all of my heart that that’s through the local church,” said Alton Hardy, the senior pastor of Urban Hope Community Church, which owns the newly renovated building.

Harris said 10% of the store will be dedicated to fresh fruits and vegetables. There are national brands and opportunities for savings on private labels.

“This wall is seasonal items first, everyday cooking items, breakfast items,’’ Harris said while showing the products lining his store shelves.

Harris said he hired locally, and 60% of his schedule consists of high school and young college students.

“We want to teach them skills, and they get paid to do it.” Harris said. “And then some we got some real seasoned management people that’s been in the industry for a long time.”

Miles College graduate Konner Price majored in business administration. He’s been hired as a full-time manager. He sees the opportunity as more than just a job.

“It’s about feeding the people, but also feeding their souls,” Price said.

He said when each person steps into the store, they’re not just a person. They’re a soul, and they all belong to Jesus Christ.

“You got Miles College,” Price said. “You got different high schools around Fairfield, so I think it’s an awesome opportunity for the community to come together and be one.”

The new grocery store will open its doors to the public at 8 a.m. Wednesday.

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