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Food and Wine
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Food and Wine
Source : (remove) : MassLive
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Seabra Foods opens new Worcester supermarket

Seabra Foods Unveils New Supermarket in Worcester, Bringing International Flavors and Community Boost

WORCESTER, Mass. – In a vibrant celebration marked by ribbon-cutting ceremonies, live music, and the aroma of freshly baked goods, Seabra Foods officially opened its newest supermarket location in Worcester on Thursday, drawing crowds eager to explore the expansive aisles stocked with international groceries, fresh produce, and specialty items. The event, held at the store's address on 509 Park Avenue, symbolized not just the expansion of a beloved regional chain but also a significant addition to Worcester's diverse culinary landscape. As shoppers streamed in, carrying baskets filled with Portuguese pastries, Brazilian spices, and an array of global imports, it was clear that Seabra Foods is poised to become a staple in the Heart of the Commonwealth.

Founded in 1979 by Portuguese immigrant Antonio Seabra, the chain has grown from a single store in Cumberland, Rhode Island, into a network of over 20 locations across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. Seabra Foods has long been renowned for catering to immigrant communities, particularly those from Portugal, Brazil, and other Latin American countries, while also appealing to a broader audience seeking authentic international products. The Worcester opening represents the company's latest strategic move to tap into underserved markets, where demand for diverse food options has surged amid the city's growing multicultural population. Worcester, with its rich history of immigration and a current demographic that includes significant Portuguese, Brazilian, and Hispanic communities, provides an ideal backdrop for Seabra's expansion.

The new supermarket spans an impressive 25,000 square feet, transformed from a former retail space that had sat vacant for several years. Renovations, which began in early 2023, included modernizing the interior with bright lighting, wide aisles for easy navigation, and dedicated sections for fresh meats, seafood, bakery items, and a deli counter offering hot meals. One of the standout features is the store's emphasis on fresh, high-quality produce sourced both locally and internationally. Shoppers can find everything from exotic fruits like dragon fruit and guava to staples such as yuca and plantains, which are often hard to come by in mainstream supermarkets. The meat department boasts a variety of cuts popular in Portuguese and Brazilian cuisine, including chourico sausage and picanha steak, all prepared by butchers trained in traditional methods.

Beyond groceries, Seabra Foods has incorporated community-oriented elements into the store's design. A spacious cafe area allows customers to enjoy on-site prepared foods, such as pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tarts) or feijoada (a hearty Brazilian stew), fostering a sense of gathering space. During the opening event, local dignitaries including Worcester Mayor Joseph M. Petty and representatives from the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce were on hand to welcome the new business. Mayor Petty praised the opening as a boon for economic development, noting that the store is expected to create approximately 100 new jobs, ranging from cashiers and stockers to managerial positions. "Seabra Foods isn't just opening a store; they're investing in our community," Petty said in his remarks. "This will provide employment opportunities and bring a taste of the world to Worcester residents."

Antonio Seabra's son, who now oversees much of the company's operations, echoed these sentiments in an exclusive interview at the event. "Our family has always believed in serving communities that remind us of our roots," he explained. "Worcester has a vibrant Portuguese and Brazilian population, and we've heard from residents for years that they wanted a Seabra closer to home. This store is our way of saying 'thank you' and committing to being a part of this city's future." The executive highlighted the chain's commitment to affordability, with competitive pricing on everyday essentials alongside premium imported goods. For instance, a section dedicated to wines and spirits features selections from Portugal's Douro Valley and Brazil's emerging vineyards, often at prices lower than specialty shops.

The opening comes at a time when Worcester's economy is experiencing a resurgence, particularly in the retail and food sectors. The city, once known primarily for its manufacturing heritage, has diversified into a hub for education, healthcare, and now, increasingly, multicultural commerce. According to local economic reports, the influx of new businesses like Seabra Foods is helping to revitalize neighborhoods such as the Park Avenue corridor, which has seen a mix of residential and commercial development in recent years. Community leaders point out that the store's arrival addresses a gap in access to culturally specific foods, which can be particularly important for immigrant families maintaining traditions and dietary preferences.

Shoppers at the opening shared stories of excitement and nostalgia. Maria Silva, a Worcester resident originally from Lisbon, Portugal, filled her cart with items like olive oil, canned sardines, and fresh codfish. "I've been driving to the Seabra in Framingham for years," she said. "Now, it's right here in my backyard. It feels like a piece of home." Similarly, João Mendes, a Brazilian immigrant who works in construction, appreciated the store's selection of açaí products and guarana soda, staples from his homeland. "This isn't just shopping; it's a cultural experience," Mendes noted, as he sampled a free empanada from the deli.

Seabra Foods' expansion strategy extends beyond just this location. The company has plans for further growth in the Northeast, with potential sites in Connecticut and additional Massachusetts towns under consideration. This Worcester store incorporates modern retail trends, such as an online ordering system for pickup and delivery, integrating with apps like Instacart to reach a wider audience. Sustainability is also a focus, with the store featuring energy-efficient lighting, recycled materials in construction, and partnerships with local farms for organic produce. These initiatives align with broader industry shifts toward eco-friendly practices, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

The impact on the local food scene is already being felt. Independent grocers and ethnic markets in Worcester have expressed a mix of competition and collaboration opportunities. For example, a nearby Brazilian bakery owner mentioned potential cross-promotions, while others see Seabra as elevating the overall visibility of international cuisine in the area. Food enthusiasts and bloggers have taken to social media to rave about the store's bakery, which offers an array of fresh breads, cakes, and pastries baked daily on-site. The scent of bolo de rolo (a rolled Brazilian cake) wafting through the air during the opening was enough to draw in curious passersby who weren't initially planning to shop.

As the day progressed, the parking lot buzzed with activity, and lines formed at the checkout counters. Seabra Foods provided giveaways, including tote bags filled with samples and coupons, encouraging repeat visits. The store's hours—open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.—cater to working families and night owls alike. In a city where food insecurity affects portions of the population, Seabra has committed to community outreach, including donations to local food banks and participation in programs like SNAP and WIC, ensuring accessibility for all income levels.

Looking ahead, the Worcester location is expected to host events such as cooking demonstrations, cultural festivals, and holiday celebrations, further embedding itself into the fabric of the community. For instance, plans are in the works for a Portuguese Heritage Day in the spring, featuring live fado music and tastings. This approach mirrors Seabra's successful model in other cities, where stores have become more than just retail outlets—they're cultural hubs.

In an era where globalization influences everyday life, Seabra Foods' new Worcester supermarket stands as a testament to the power of food in bridging cultures. By offering a diverse array of products that cater to specific tastes while welcoming all shoppers, the store not only fills shelves but also fosters connections. As Worcester continues to evolve, additions like this reinforce its reputation as a welcoming, dynamic city. For residents, the opening isn't just about convenience; it's about celebrating diversity one aisle at a time.

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[ https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/seabra-foods-opens-worcester-supermarket-173226637.html ]