“Hey Tennessee!” That was the shoutout made by Sprouts Farmers Market staff as they gave a friendly wave to a growing crowd gathered for the ribbon cutting ceremony early on May 13, just before the grand opening of the first Sprouts location in the state.
Hundreds of customers were lined up and waiting for the doors to open to the new store.
Sprouts Farmers Market general manager, Amy LaFaver, gave her staff a pep talk before the opening, focusing on the excitement of the day and providing great customer service.
Former Texan Jeanne Hamilton says she was ecstatic to hear that Sprouts was coming to the city of Lakeland where she now lives. Hamilton frequented the nearby farmers market when she lived in Plano, Texas. “As soon I heard the news, I called up my friends from back home to tell them Sprouts was coming to Tennessee,” said Hamilton. She is hopeful that the store in Lakeland will offer the freshly made sausages, particularly the chicken apple sausage that drew her and husband, Bob, to shop there. That and the variety of fresh produce they offered. It was always good, along with the selection of bulk items,” Hamilton added.
She can’t wait to check out the new location right here in her new neighborhood.
Among those supporting the event were Lakeland mayor Wyatt Bunker, commissioners Gene Torrey and Sherri Gallick, and city manager, Jim Atkinson.
Lakeland Area Chamber of Commerce president, Ken Lipkowitz, economic development coordinator, Ginny Dunn, and friends of the Chamber were also on hand to welcome store staff and managers of the farmers market to Lakeland.
Lakeland fourth-grader, Lyla Scobey received an invitation to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony — after she won the honors of being “Mayor for a Day,” at Lakeland Elementary School’s recent Auction Day event. The elementary student will also have the honors of visiting Lakeland City Hall to announce an upcoming Board of Commissioner’s meeting.
Bunker spent a few minutes talking to Scobey about her upcoming responsibilities as “Mayor for a Day” as she joined the mayor and others during a special sneak peek inside the store.
Outside, a long line of anxious customers waiting for the doors to open were greeted by store staff offering a variety of refreshments, drinks and gift cards.
Sprouts Farmers Market is at 9050 U.S. 64 in Lakeland and is open daily 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, see facebook.com/SproutsLakeland.
Written by Kim Odom, an employee for the city of Lakeland. Contact her at (901) 867-2717.
