Oakhurst Market Gets Ready for Customers

For years, the closest grocery option for the Oakhurst community has been the mini market. 

There was also once the Big H grocery.

But one Oakhurst businessman thinks the economically diverse community deserves a market that serves locals. Andy Gonzales, chef and general manager of , teamed with managing partner Casey Bondell to found Oakhurst Market.

The market is expected to open on East Lake Drive and Oakview Road in the heart of Oakhurst at the end of June.

 “It has been the most asked question in Oakhurst – ‘when is the market going to open?'” said Gonzales. "It makes us feel good that people have already taken ownership of it."

The shop’s location will be in the old Real Source realty office, with the Decatur community mural on the side wall.  Gonzales said the space is perfect because the market, Steinbeck’s and its sister restaurant, the , can all form a symbiotic relationship where they support each other.

 “The focal point will be the butchered meat," he said. "We think you should be able to look your butcher in the eye. We’ll also do to-go dinners people can reheat at home.  We’ll roast our own turkey, beef, pastrami – which takes 14 days – and bake our own breads for our sandwiches."  

He added, “Our signature items we have at Steinbeck’s will also be available at the market, like our pimento cheese.

The market will also support local farmers. 

“We’ll have high-quality grass fed beef, as well as fresh herbs and vegetables from Oakhurst Garden and Sugar Creek Farm," Gonzales said. "It’s very powerful to be able to just walk down the street and get locally grown and locally made items."

Expect to see service as a focal point, too. Oakhurst Market's owners plan a higher form of customer service than other markets. 

“People will be able to talk to the butcher, the baker, the chef," Gonzales said. "Someone can ask me what I’d suggest to serve with a certain cut of meat, and I’ll tell them what sides and wine I think will go well with it.  Customers will be able to walk out informed and happy with their decisions.  It adds a value you can’t put a number on."

Oakhurst Market will also be green.  Customers can buy bottles of infused olive oils and vinegars, and bring back the bottles to be washed and refilled.  They can also buy bottles of wine from the seven-foot wine wall.  The market will also sell growlers and customers can take home their favorite sealed craft beer on tap – a new concept in Georgia. 

A smoker will allow customers to order pounds of barbeque and cooked meats, both for large parties or just for dinner. But even with all the specialties, Gonzales said he wants the market to be flexible with what it carries.

“North, south, east, and west from Oakhurst are communities that don’t have a market, so hopefully word of mouth will get around and people from other communities will come," Gonzales said. "Our partners were involved in the Oak Grove Market on Lavista Road.  It’s been there more than 20 years and has been a successful fixture in that community.  We want Oakhurst Market to be a successful fixture for our neighborhood.”