United Supermarkets to Grow 'A Taste of Market Street' Gas Concept

LUBBOCK, Texas -- Based on the initial success of its innovative gas station/gourmet food concept, A Taste of Market Street, regional grocer United Supermarkets here is planning to open at least two more stations in the Dallas-Fort Worth market next year.

"The concept has been highly successful so far, and we think it shows great promise for the Dallas-Fort Worth market," Eddie Owens, United's director of corporate communications, told Progressive Grocer.

A Taste of Market Street is essentially a "mini" version of United's upscale Market Street supermarket that accompanies a fuel station, located in the parking lot of Market Street. It features gourmet foods, fresh produce, Peet's coffee, and bakery items. As an added bonus, customers can pick up a daily prepared meal at a drive-through window.

The format debuted last December in Lubbock, at the site of the "third generation" Market Street concept. The two new units will open at future Market Street stores in Allen and Frisco, Texas in early 2008, Owens said. He did not know the estimated square footage of the new units, but the first A Taste of Market Street was 1,300 square feet.

The new Market Street in Frisco will also feature a mezzanine level to be used for a training facility, office space, and a research and development kitchen.

United also offers multiple stand-alone fuel stations at some of its supermarkets. Its 46 stores operate under three distinct formats: United Supermarkets, Market Street, and Super Mercado.
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