Savi Provisions takes over Atlanta

You’ve probably seen a Savi Provisions store in your neighborhood, with its green awning and white lettering, selling wine, beer, groceries, and artisan foods. Savi Provisions announced the opening of its 16th store in the city, the latest in Virginia Highlands. Additionally, last week the city of Atlanta opted for the business to open in the Grant Park Gateway retail space, making it the 17th location. So where do all these stores come from?

“I cannot say enough good things about the citizens of this great city. They have embraced the brand,” says Paul Nair, founder of Savi Provisions.

The first Savi Provisions opened in 2009 in Inman Park, selling local produce, drinks and prepared foods like sandwiches and soups. It was inspired by the bodegas of New York, Nair says, where he spent a lot of time while studying hospitality management at Cornell University.

After the success of the first store in Inman Park, Brookhaven, Midtown and Decatur followed, offering a neighborhood-centric store to purchase a bottle of wine for dinner, a baguette or salad, and a salted chocolate chip cookie. Wed. Nair says he keeps locality in mind and evolves with consumer buying trends.

“People’s buying habits are changing; they favor seasonality and not grouping. People now shop week after week, and it’s a much healthier option,” says Nair.

A report from the Deloitte Consumer Industry Center suggests a recent shift from “mass to micro-grocery” shopping because consumers want companies responsible for “building trust, a sense of shared values ​​and positive societal contributions.” A single megastore format, like Walmart, Kroger and Costco, might not work for a diverse city with diverse needs. Then, the neighborhood stores arrive.

After opening its first eight locations, Savi Provisions began offering franchises. With 16 stores in Atlanta and counting, more locations are expected in South and Downtown Atlanta at this time. food deserts – the company has also expanded into Tennessee and North Carolina, with more than 20 stores in total. With the number of locations increasing, Nair fears losing his business philosophy to franchise owners.

“We are looking at reacquiring some franchise locations and reprogramming them,” says Nair.

The program involves sourcing produce and produce from local farmers, offering beer and guided tastings, and creating a common space for people to meet. Nair says his motivation for the company is organic growth and direct investment in Atlanta. He cites an American Express study that finds that “$0.68 of every dollar spent at a small business in the United States stays in the local community.”

Savi’s economic impact may explain why the city chose for a prime spot in Grant Park.

“This is a fitting combination of beautifying one of our most historic neighborhoods with a local, community-centered grocer,” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said in an official statement. “Thank you to Councilmember Jason Winston for his partnership to ensure access to fresh food for Atlanta residents – in District 1 and across the city – and thank you to the Purchasing and Parks and Recreation departments for “thoughtful improvement of this community”,

The Grant Park Gateway is a mixed-use development with parking and recreational amenities in the Grant Park neighborhood. Companies are trying to gain a place in the development’s retail space. At this time, there is no timetable for the new Savi arrangements at Grant Park.

Grid View

(Above) Renderings of Savi layouts at Grant Park Gateway.

“We hope to expand the service aspect – much better coffee, dessert counter and drinks on site,” says Nair.

Savi Provisions is also investing in a beverage database AI program designed to make recommendations to customers about what’s available in store. Nair says the program will help his staff across all stores stay informed about consumer needs and what the store can offer. As for new locations, don’t blink too quickly. You might see another Savi just around the corner.