Elkridge Hungry for Green Valley Marketplace

Since the arrival of a new grocery store in Elkridge, community members have said that Green Valley Marketplace is filling more than their refrigerators.

“What they bring here is not just bread and milk—they bring hope to the neighborhood,” Calvin Ball, Howard County Council chair, told Patch before the store’s grand opening.

When the supermarket welcomed its first customers Nov. 16, residents heralded the convenience of having a neighborhood supermarket.

"I'm thrilled to have a store so close to home again," said Angela S., in a .

It had been four months since some Elkridge residents could shop for groceries without having to drive several miles away.

Before in Elkridge eight weeks ago, the Elkridge Corners shopping center had lost its anchor.

Superfresh as by its parent company, the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., a regional conglomerate.

“Being local is part of what we think is going to distinguish us,” said Benjy Green, of Green Valley Marketplace. His grandfather Benjamin Green started a food wholesale business, of which Benjy is now CEO; called B. Green & Co. The business that began in Baltimore in 1915 has since expanded into grocery stores—its latest, Green Valley Marketplace.

At Green Valley, Benjy Green said the focus is on freshness and being local.

"Giant is like the Netherlands, Safeway is like California...and Green Valley is Baltimore," said Green.

Standing beside a display filled with Old Bay, Green told Patch that he is purposefully promoting local flavors, and as time goes on, the store will add more “Green Valley Favorites,” or signature dishes.

“It’s a throwback really,” said Green, of the homemade and local appeal.

So customers can get a feel for the selection, the store has put out samples.

“I love it,” said April Force Pardoe, who lives nearby, of the store. Her favorite sample was the pretzel with crab. Her husband was a fan of the crab balls, daughter Abby recommended the cookies and daughter Megan vouched for the cupcakes.

Food in the bakery is homemade, and employees behind the counter were busy rolling dough when Green took Elkridge Patch on a tour.

Less than a week after opening, Green said the store was already looking to add more staff to get things prepped for the morning.

“How do you not give people opportunities?” said Green, who has hired 140 people, mostly from the Elkridge area, to be on his staff. “That’s why we’re in business.”

He added: “If one day this is successful, maybe there will be another store."