Kings Food Markets Debuts Premiere Store In Gillette, New Jersey

GILLETTE, N.J., March 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Kings Food Markets (Kings) is proud to open its newest location in Gillette, N.J. with a signature pasta-ribbon cutting ceremony beginning at 10:00 a.m. The Gillette store not only incorporates the features Kings has piloted in other locations since its brand relaunch in 2012, but it also introduces many new concepts.  

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Shoppers arriving in the Gillette store immediately enter the MarketSquare, where they can enjoy Inspirations-To-Go, a section of chef-inspired meal options, including: Asian-infused dishes from a Hibachi Station; brick oven Neapolitan-style pizza; hand-rolled sushi; grain exchange and mezze bars; hot soups ranging from hearty and organic, to gluten-free and vegetarian; as well as fully prepared sandwiches made on fresh-delivered breads and gluten-free options.

The MarketSquare also includes a full-service: Coffee House with barista-brewed espressos, cappuccinos and lattes as well as fresh-baked pastries, muffins and scones; International Cheese Shop with more than 300 varieties sourced both locally and globally; open-air Flower Boutique with flower stylists who provide the design-savvy of a trusted florist in the convenience of a local market; and Patisserie offering the most decadent, premium desserts as well as new service breads, brought to Kings from New York's best bakeries every day.

"Our entire team has worked hard over the last year to ensure that inspiration strikes our customers in every aisle, in every department – just as our tagline suggests," said Judy Spires, president & CEO of Kings Food Markets. "Our Gillette location brings this brand promise to life in such a multi-sensory way for our shoppers; it truly is an opportunity for our customers to see, hear, smell, touch and taste a full culinary experience."

In addition to the international offerings of the MarketSquare, Gillette shoppers will enjoy the largest variety of fresh, high-quality organic produce in their neighborhood, much of which will be offered within 24 hours of harvest through the brand's Local Fresh 24/7 program this summer. Local and organic offerings extend into Kings' Butcher Shop, where customers can purchase meats from local farms in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania and Butcher Craftsmen will be glad to assist or offer advice on orders. In the Seafood Market, shoppers can select from exclusive offerings such as Black Pearl Scottish and Organic Salmon as well as fresh, "top of the catch" varieties, including: preservative-free, sustainably sourced, wild-caught and farm-raised options. Through Kings' partnership with Fishwise, shoppers can get the best, sustainable seafood on the market that is sourced responsibly. Other features of the store include a Candy Shop, WiFi-enabled Inspiration Cafe and special dairy cases that are 60% more energy efficient.

"At Kings, providing inspiration has many parts. It is offering both the freshest, highest-quality food from near and afar and the helpful guidance of our associates, who are all eager to share their love of food with our customers," said Spires. "We want our shoppers to experience those moments of discovery when they first taste a new ingredient or find success with a recipe they've never tried before. It is our pleasure to do whatever we can, whether through recommended pairings, preparation tips or just the quality of ingredients we offer, to make them feel comfortable experimenting with their menu choices."

To mark the grand opening of Kings Gillette, the store will host a weekend-long celebration, starting Friday, March 22 at 10:00 a.m., with special remarks from Spires, Store Manager Donna Lewis and Long Hill Township Deputy Mayor Cornel Schuler. As part of the opening ceremony, Kings will make a $7,500 contribution to the Community FoodBank of New Jersey through its "Act Against Hunger" initiative, aiming to end hunger in the communities Kings serves.

Customers who join Kings on March 22 will enjoy:

• More than 20 signature tastings that will continue throughout the weekend
• A cooking demonstration between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. from Chef Franco Lania, who will be preparing Carrot Ginger soup and Baci di Ricotta (Sweet Ricotta Kisses)
• Consultations, "shopping cart makeovers" and guided store tours from Nutritionist Shari Bilt Boockvar, MS, RD, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Boockvar will show shoppers how to eat for energy, heart health or feeding the whole family and will also be on-site Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
• The opportunity to meet and trade restaurant and chocolate recommendations with New Jersey Monthly's Rosie Saferstein from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Kings and New Jersey Monthly will be giving shoppers the chance to win dinner for two at Pluckemin Inn, one of Rosie's favorite culinary hotspots
• Giveaways including complimentary whisks for the first 500 customers and drawings for Kings gift cards and a healthy eating consultation with Boockvar

To help continue the celebration into the following weeks, Kings Gillette will also hold a food drive to benefit Stirling's St. Vincent de Paul Church, a local church collecting food to end hunger in the community. Shoppers who visit the store between Monday, April 1 and Tuesday, April 30 can support the food drive by purchasing a pre-packed bag of non-perishables or by picking up a list of "most-needed" items to shop for their own contributions. 

"As not only an associate of Kings but also as a community member who truly loves great food and loves sharing my passion with customers, I am so proud to be opening this location and serving both our shoppers and the greater community," said Kings Gillette general store manager Donna Lewis, who has worked for Kings for more than 28 years.  "Kings is a family, and I look forward to continuing to grow that family in Gillette."

About Kings Food Markets
An upscale market chain serving customers throughout New Jersey, New York and Connecticut, Kings provides an unique shopping experience paired with the highest quality foods. From locally sourced, organically grown produce, to hand-selected cheeses from over 20 countries, Kings seeks to bring exceptional gourmet items to shoppers in all of the company's locations. The in-store experience is enhanced by Kings' associates, all of whom are passionate about food and eager to help customers create the perfect meal. Kings is based in Parsippany, N.J., with 25 stores serving the region. For more information, visit www.kingsfoodmarkets.com. Shoppers can also find Kings on Facebook (www.facebook.com/kingsfoodmarkets) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/kingsfoodmkts).

Contact:
Alicia Gentile
215-790-4376
[email protected]

SOURCE Kings Food Markets