FreshTake, a new kind of grocery store, tentatively opening next month in Augusta

The Washington Crossing shopping plaza will soon welcome a new headliner.

FreshTake Grocery is scheduled to open Aug. 16 in Augusta at 2907 Washington Rd. During Tuesday's meeting of the Augusta Public Services Committee, FreshTake Grocery Corporation CEO Jackson Mitchell gave this date while explaining it's changed multiple times due to delays.

While FreshTake will be a traditional supermarket, it looks to set itself apart with how customers can spend their time hanging out. One way it's doing this is with "Jackson's," a restaurant and bar with pizza, pasta, sandwiches, and made-to-order sushi which can all be washed down with beer or wine. Some similarly fun amenities include a mezzanine with seating for 130 customers, an outdoor patio with a walk-up barbecue smokehouse, and a five-hole putting green.

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One of the more unique features is a “grill-while-you-shop" option involving on-site butchers and chefs who will trim a customer’s selected cut of meat and cook it to order. There will also be a Starbucks and a pharmacy.

On Tuesday, the public services committee approved FreshTake's beer and wine licenses. They still need to be approved by the Augusta Commission during its next meeting on July 16.

FreshTake is being built inside the defunct Whole Foods at 2907 Washington Rd. The market is currently hiring for several positions such as bartenders, managers, baristas, and Instacart selectors. For more information, go to freshtakegrocery.com.