Common Roots Farmers Market, opening in Avondale Estates, includes outdoor seating, deli, plants and accepts EBT

Common Roots Farmers Market, a 12,000 square foot neighborhood grocery store with an expansive outdoor seating area and plant nursery, opens early next year in Avondale Estates.

Owned by former US Foods Territory Manager Brock Nix, the sprawling community market will sell local produce, meats and seafood from Georgian farms, a variety of snacks, pantry supplies and frozen goods from local food producers like Rock Hill Creamery, Pure Bliss Organics, and Piedmont Provisions, as well as coffee, beer, fresh bread, and flowers. People will apparently be offered a cup of coffee made with beans from local roasters upon entering Common Roots.

Located outside, a large seating area will allow customers to eat take-out sandwiches and other dishes sold at the market deli. On the menu, five sandwiches, including a muffaletta and daily specials, salads, Mad Mama Gourmet soups and family meals. There is also freshly brewed coffee and kombucha on tap.

Seasonal plants and flowers, as well as pumpkins, Christmas trees and wreaths during the holidays, will be available for sale outside.

When asked if Common Roots plans to be accessible to all members of the community and offer affordable prices, a representative speaking on behalf of Nix told Eater that the marketplace is considering accepting EBT and SNAP benefits as payment methods. This will be listed on the website and displayed on all market entries. While Senior Citizen Hours aren’t currently planned, it could be something Nix and his team are considering once Common Roots is fully operational next year.

Nix, whose family owns two farmers’ markets in Georgia and Alabama, worked for nearly four years as a territory manager for food retailer US Foods. During his time with the company, he helped chefs and restaurants select menu items, helped implement inventory technology, and provided in-house training to new employees.

In other Avondale Estates food news, Olive and Pine, a 25,000 square foot adaptive reuse complex just east of East College Avenue, will eventually include a large food hall; A coffee; Leftie Lee’s sandwich shop and bakery; a convenience store; a Los Angeles-based burger restaurant; a cocktail bar; a co-working space and an art gallery; and possibly a plant store.

A joint venture between Tin Drum Asian Kitchen founder Steven Chan, Decatur-based architecture firm Office of Design, and Metro Green Construction, Olive and Pine is just three blocks from Wild Heaven Beer, the Lost Druid Brewery and Little Cottage Brewery in Avondale Estates.

Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Public transport: Accessible by bus from Kensington MARTA train station or via MARTA bus line 115.

3409 Covington Highway, Avondale Estates. commonrootsfarmersmarket.com.