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Historic Milestone: Vineyards Opens First Grocery Store - A Fan-Fared Debut

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  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, November 22nd 2025 at 11:26 GMT by deseret

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Historic Milestone: Vineyards Opens First Grocery Store – A Fan‑Fared Debut

On Sunday, the historic town of Vineyards welcomed its first ever grocery store, drawing a crowd of eager shoppers and community members in a celebration that felt more like a local festival than a routine business opening. The new shop, part of the “Vineyards Market & Mart” chain, is the culmination of a two‑year effort by town leaders, local investors, and a coalition of farmers and artisans who envisioned a single, community‑centric retail hub.

A Vision Born from Local Needs

The idea was sparked in 2023, when town officials surveyed residents about essential goods and services. The majority expressed a desire for a local grocery outlet that could offer fresh produce, dairy, and specialty items without the need to drive to the nearest city. With the town’s population now hovering around 3,200 and many households living in rural outlying areas, a grocery store was deemed both a practical necessity and an economic catalyst.

Local entrepreneur Maya Johnson, who owns a nearby farm and runs a popular farm‑to‑table restaurant, led the project. Johnson partnered with the town’s Chamber of Commerce, and the partnership secured a $2.3 million grant from the State Development Fund to cover construction and inventory startup costs.

Design and Offerings

The 5,000‑square‑foot store was designed to blend modern convenience with a rustic, farm‑friendly aesthetic. Inside, shelves line with locally sourced produce, artisanal cheeses, and homemade preserves. A dedicated “Vineyards Fresh” corner offers a rotating selection of produce grown in the area, including heirloom tomatoes, heirloom berries, and even a small greenhouse for leafy greens.

In addition to groceries, the store features a “Community Corner” where local artisans can display baked goods, homemade jams, and handcrafted gifts. Johnson has promised that a portion of the store’s profits will be reinvested into community projects such as the local park renovation and a new youth sports program.

The Grand Opening

The opening ceremony began at 10 a.m. with a ribbon‑cutting by Mayor Thomas Green, who highlighted the store’s role in reducing food miles and boosting the local economy. A live band performed classic country tunes while the first shoppers queued for the inaugural “Grand Opening Sale” offering 20% off on all items for the first three days.

Families, farmers, and even some city residents lined up at the door. Many praised the opportunity to buy fresh, local produce without traveling far. “It’s a win for everyone,” said longtime resident Linda Perez. “I can get my groceries here and support my neighbors at the same time.”

Looking Ahead

City planners foresee a ripple effect: increased foot traffic could spur the opening of a café or a small bistro within the store’s future expansions. Additionally, the town’s council has announced plans to create a “Vineyards Farmers Market” on the store’s adjacent parking lot, scheduled for early spring.

As the community celebrated, many noted that the store’s opening isn’t just a retail milestone but a symbol of resilience and cooperation. In a town that once relied on nearby cities for grocery supplies, the new market marks a new chapter in local self‑reliance and community pride.