Food aficionados rejoice ? a gourmet market has plans to open in Oxford Township within the next few months.
It’s called ‘Carla’s Fresh Garden? and it will be located inside the existing building at 1200 S. Lapeer Road, just south of Drahner Road.
‘I’m waiting for the building permits,? said owner Mimmo D’Anna. ‘We’re hoping (to open) before Thanksgiving.?
If not, then ‘definitely before Christmas,? he noted.
Workers have already been busy cleaning out the inside of the building in preparation for the renovation project.
D’Anna said the market will be similar in concept to Papa Joe’s or Vince & Joe’s, but named for his wife, Carla.
D’Anna’s sister, Domenica Vitale, is one of the owners of Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Market, which has locations in Clinton and Shelby townships.
‘Vince is my brother-in-law,? said D’Anna, who owns a fruit market in Terrasini, Sicily.
Plans call for Carla’s Fresh Garden to have 11,838 square feet of retail space, 7,072 square feet of stock area and 1,851 square feet for food preparation.
The market will offer gourmet foods, fresh meat, deli, dry goods, salads, fresh fruits and vegetables, olives, cheeses, prepared foods, frozen foods and flowers.
‘People have to go a long way to get gourmet (foods) and fresh fruit in that area,? said D’Anna, explaining why he and his wife chose to set up shop in Oxford.
The market will feature many Italian foods, but it won’t be limited to cuisine from the boot-shaped peninsula.
D’Anna also plans to apply for a liquor license to sell wine, beer and probably spirits, too.
Township Building Official Mike Darling said the market is currently under ‘construction plan review,? which is expected to be completed by the middle of this month.
Whether building permits are issued depends on the results of that review.