July 16, 2025
Business

Fresh Thyme to open in Downers Grove

DOWNERS GROVE – Downers Grove will welcome a new grocer to the village after Fresh Thyme Farmers Market opens Wednesday.

Doors open at 7 a.m. for the grocery store at 325 Ogden Ave., and the first 250 shoppers will receive $50 in free groceries.

Grand opening celebrations will go throughout the day, with live music, a Boar's Head hot dog cart and cooking demonstration, and balloon animals.

Festivities will continue Saturday, when the live music, hot dog cart and food demo return. There will also be face painting.

Wednesday through Sunday, food sampling will be available.

The 29,000-square-foot store includes a produce section with locally-sourced and organic items; a butcher shop; a dairy section featuring local products; a bakery; the Fresh Thyme Kitchen with a salad bar; a wine and craft beer section; and a supplement, vitamin and body care section.

"Fresh Thyme is passionate about making 'local' a focus of each store, from the products and produce to the people we staff," said Fresh Thyme CEO Chris Sherrell in a news release.

Chamber630 President Laura Crawford said the store's opening is big for Downers Grove.

"We’re excited to welcome Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, they are a high quality, affordable, natural grocer who cater to those interested in healthy living," she said via email. "Downers Grove is a perfect fit and new business also means new employment."

Delivery truck traffic will be diverted away from the surrounding neighborhoods, with trucks delivering from Ogden Avenue to avoid congestion.

Fresh Thyme is in the process of opening 60 new stores in the Chicago suburbs over the next five years. The chain's corporate office is also scheduled to move to Downers Grove later this year.

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Fresh Thyme grand opening activities

Wednesday

6:45 a.m. – Ribbon cutting ceremony

7 a.m. – Doors open

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Live music

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Balloon animals

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Boar's Head hot dog cart

2 to 6:30 p.m. – Boar's Head cooking demonstration

Saturday

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Live music

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Face painting

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Boar's Head hot dog cart

2 to 6:30 p.m. – Boar's Head cooking demonstration

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If you go

What: Fresh Thyme Farmers Market

Hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily

Where: 325 Ogden Ave.

Information: 331-251-7031 or www.freshthyme.com