For the past 15 years, Garden Fresh Marketplace has been the go-to destination for the Southwest Detroit community to get their hands on the freshest, most nutritious foods. With owner Jonathan Morad at the helm, the store is committed to excellence, always going above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service. Not only is it a food oasis, but it’s also a hub for health and well-being. The store’s impressive selection of fresh, high-quality foods is a welcome solution to the city’s issue of food deserts.

“Detroit has been known as a food desert for a long time.” Said Morad, “Therefore, our goal is to provide fresh, healthy, organic and gluten-free products. We try to keep up with the latest trends to ensure that everyone is satisfied.”

It is widely understood that local businesses are the heartbeat of a community. They play an indispensable role in keeping our neighborhoods alive and thriving. Not only do they provide employment opportunities, but they also support local charities and community initiatives. Morad understands the significance of local businesses and their role in establishing a robust and lively community. Garden Fresh Marketplace actively works with several churches and school districts in the area. Additionally, during the holiday season, the Garden Fresh team donates turkeys and canned goods to all community members. 

Morad proudly stated that his grocery store has an annual budget, and he is very flexible with it because he loves giving back to the community. He believes that when businesses give back to the community, it is appreciated by both customers and the community at large. Given the current global situation with COVID-19, Morad recognizes that it is important to give back to the community as much as possible. Therefore, his store makes it a priority to focus on giving back every year.

In addition, Morad’s passion for giving back is carried through his support of local businesses,  sourcing a majority of the store’s produce from local farms in Michigan during the peak season. Garden Fresh also offers a variety of local Michigan honey, beer, iced teas, and ice cream.

“We collaborate with a lot of people,” said Morad. “If somebody approaches me and says, ‘Hey, we’ve got a Michigan product we would like you to market,’ I’m all for it.”

For those who may not know, Garden Fresh also specializes in serving products catering to the dietary needs of vegans and vegetarians. According to Morad, the company carefully selects the best-selling products for each category to ensure that customers have the same access to the same great products they would find at Walmart or Meijer. 

Relationship with SDBA

Garden Fresh Marketplace’s relationship with SDBA is a testament to its commitment to growing with the community. Although their membership halted due to COVID-19, their interest in joining the organization was reignited when SDBA CEO Laura visited the store. Morad admits that signing back up for membership should have been a priority, but conversations with Laura shed light on the benefits of being part of a coalition of different businesses. He realized that by working together, they could make the community stronger, cleaner, and better. With the bid districts that they’re currently building, such as the Vernor bid and the Michigan Avenue bid, Garden Fresh wants to play an active role in effecting change for the area. 

Word of encouragement for business owners considering membership with SDBA 

“If you want to be a part of the community and help provide change, this is definitely something that can offer great value to better the community. It’s better to work together as a team than try to solve something on your own. You know, when you’re when you’re in with a big group, you’re able to get things done more efficiently and a lot faster, in my opinion.”

In the future, Jonathan Morad plans on acquiring another grocery store in the city to expand his reach and offer even more quality products and customer service. Morad also hopes that his success will inspire other businesses to invest in the city and show that it is possible to thrive in this community. He firmly believes that the negativity surrounding Detroit in the media is not the whole story, and he is proud to have been a part of this community for a very long time. With a deep love for Southwest Detroit and a commitment to giving back, Morad and Garden Fresh Marketplace are sure to continue making a positive impact on the area for years to come.

You can keep up with Garden Fresh Marketplace on their website and social media: Facebook &  Instagram