Inside the new Carver Jones Market Fairfield, opening July 31 [Photos]

Last week, Bham Now reported that a new grocery store—the Carver Jones Market Fairfield—was coming soon to western Jefferson County. We stopped by the new market for an inside look before its grand opening on Wednesday, July 31.

Fairfield residents need affordable groceries and fresh produce

Located in western Jefferson County, Fairfield was founded in 1910 as a planned community to house workers for the Fairfield Works steel mill. Now, the city is home to roughly 10,000 residents—all of whom live in a food desert with no acceptable access to affordable, fresh food.

“Alabama is among the top ten poorest states in the nation, but the state is number one in food-related disesaes. When residents don’t have access to fresh produce and meat, they have to eat whatever they can find in convenience stores or fast-food restaurants.”

James Harris, President and CEO, Carver Jones Market Fairfield

Fairfield has been without a grocery store since the closure of the Walmart Supercenter in 2016.

“People have to eat, so when a city like Fairfield doesn’t have a grocery store its residents are forced to spend those dollars outside of the city.

There is over half a million dollars in a five-mile radius spent on groceries every week—the community has the money to support a local grocery store.”

James Harris, President and CEO, Carver Jones Market Fairfield

A new, local grocery store for Fairfield

For the past seven years, members of Urban Hope Community Church and passionate residents in Fairfield have worked to develop a grocery store that can serve the Fairfield community and be a model for other food deserts across the country.

Leading the program is President and CEO James Harris, who has more than 30 years of experience in the grocery industry.

“There are more than 3,500 food deserts across the Southeast, so we want to see this model reproduced in other communities. The Carver Jones Market Fairfield is a prototype for us to test our systems and methodology.”

James Harris, President and CEO, Carver Jones Market Fairfield

The Carver Jones Market Fairfield is named for George Washington Carver and Frederick McKinley Jones, two African-American inventors who had an enormous impact on the food industry.

• George Washington Carver pioneered alternate agricultural techniques that prevent soil depletion.
• Frederick McKinley Jones invented mobile refrigeration technology, which allows food producers to transport perishables across the country.

“We want the atmosphere of the Carver Jones Market Fairfield to reflect the attitude and contributions that these men made to the culture. Although they are no longer with us, their legacy and impact continue to bless mankind to this day.”

James Harris, President and CEO, Carver Jones Market Fairfield

What you’ll find in the Carver Jones Market Fairfield

Inside the roughly 10,000-square-foot market, you’ll find everything you’d expect to find in a national chain, including:

• Canned goods
• Perishables
• Health and beauty products
• A pharmacy
• Fresh produce and meats
• And much more

“Roughly a tenth of our floor space will be dedicated to fresh produce. We want residents to have access to a farmers’ market seven days a week—all inside this grocery store.”

James Harris, President and CEO, Carver Jones Market Fairfield

In addition to familiar, national brands, the Carver Jones Market Fairfield will carry affordable, private-label options.

“For example, this Kraft’s Classic Ranch is on sale right now for $2.99. Even though its on sale, the private label is a dollar cheaper—and that’s an everyday price.”

James Harris, President and CEO, Carver Jones Market Fairfield

The Carver Jones Market Fairfield opens Wednesday, July 31

The Carver Jones Market Fairfield will officially open its doors at 8AM on Wednesday, July 31. This will be the first time the City of Fairfield has had a grocery store in eight years.

“The community reaction has just been spectacular. One of our workers, a young lady, came up to me the other day and said, ‘Oh, I just love our store.’ To me, that’s where the rubber meets the road.

We want anyone who walks through our doors to feel respected and appreciated—and we can’t wait to show that to the Fairfield community.”

James Harris, President and CEO, Carver Jones Market Fairfield

The Carver Jones Market Team will host a grand opening celebration on Saturday, August 3, complete with:

• Samples
• Giveaways
• Discounted items

The first 200 people through the door on Saturday, August 3 will receive a free loaf of bread.

• Carver Jones Market: Website | Instagram
• Address: 4800 Gary Ave, Fairfield, AL 35064
• Hours: 8AM to 7PM, Monday to Saturday; 1PM to 6PM on Sunday

Excited to see a new, local grocery store open in Fairfield? Tag us @bhamnow to let us know!