Market District grocery to open Oct. 7 in Carmel

Carmel’s newest grocery experience, Market District and its associated getGo Café + Market, will open on Oct. 7.

Operated by Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle Inc., the two stores will be part of The Bridges retail development along Springmill Road in Carmel. The grocer aims to provide a well-rounded consumer experience with traditional grocery items as well as specialty foods, cooking classes and chef demonstrations, a restaurant and a banquet hall.

Market District, 11505 N. Illinois St., is about 120,000 square feet and employs 530 people now, with another 30 in the 6,100-square-foot getGo Café + Market at 11545 N. Illinois St.

GetGo Café + Market will sell made-to-order sandwiches, burgers, wraps and salads, which can be eaten at the indoor or outdoor seating areas. Traditional beverage options will be sold alongside smoothies and espresso.

For low-on-gas shoppers, there’s also a gas station.

Market District is entering a competitive market — smaller stores like Whole Foods, Fresh Thyme Farmers Markets and Trader Joe’s already compete for customers with Kroger, Meijer and Marsh Supermarkets in Carmel.

Dan Donovan, director of corporate communications for Giant Eagle Inc., said he believes Market District offers a different experience.

“I do truly believe that it’s that ability to offer folks the best of both worlds,” he said. “Meeting every customer need with traditional grocery shopping but also really surprising them and educating them on the different things we have to offer.”

There is a designated area for chef demonstrations and a cooking school in a separate part of the store where Market District’s chefs will teach cooking classes.

Donovan said the idea is to provide customers a “whole, rounded experience from picking a product up to bringing it home to their families.”

Attached to the store is a sit-down restaurant, table by Market District and a bar. Market District’s Sweet Shop will sell store-made candy and gelato.

This will be Giant Eagle’s 13th Market District and its first in Indiana. Donovan said there are no other locations planned, but the company is always looking for opportunities to grow.

Contact Star reporter Ellen Garrison at (317) 444-6179. Follow her on Twitter: @EllenGarrison.