With Downtown Produce Market and More announcing plans to permanently close at the end of this month so the owners can enjoy retirement, many in Brevard began lamenting other grocery closures over the years.
Readers took to FLORIDA TODAY’s Facebook page, 321 Flavor: Where Brevard Eats to discuss the closure of the beloved market, and reminisce about other favorite small markets that are sorely missed.
Petty’s Meat Market
After more than four decades in Brevard County, the Pettigrews sold both Petty’s Meat Market locations. The Suntree location closed in 2019, while the Babcock Street location changed owners, but later closed in 2022.
Both stores were known for their high-quality meats, cheeses, prepared meals, wine tastings and free beer while you shopped.
Green Turtle Market
This beachside market specialized in gourmet to-go foods, prime meats, fresh seafood and fine wines. Green Turtle Market closed earlier this year. Tim Dwight and Ercan Ekinci were the original owners, dating to 2000. In 2019, Ekinci sold his portion and went on to open Urban Prime Marketplace + Restaurant in Viera. Dwight retired in January 2022.
Evans Community Market
After five years, Evans Community Market closed in 2023. The full-service market provided fresh produce, groceries and hot deli food. The market came to fruition to serve the needs of low- and moderate-income neighborhoods near Florida Ave. in Palm Bay.
Lucky’s Market
After Winn-Dixie closed in 2015 on W. New Haven Ave., in Melbourne, the Colorado-based Lucky’s Market invested roughly $3 million in interior and exterior renovations, only to close in February 2020. Between the beer tasting and the bacon, the store was an experience and many in Brevard still mourn its closure.
Soon —Downtown Produce Market and More
Downtown Produce’s owners announced that the popular market and grocery store on Ellis Road will close its doors on Dec. 31. Providing groceries, fresh prepared foods, baked goods, imported cheese and olives, specialty beers, wine, and more, Downtown Produce filled a niche in Melbourne since 1982. The owners said they plan to retire.
Shoppers mourn closure of local markets
When asked “what will you miss and why do you like to shop at local markets,” 321 Flavor: Where Brevard Eats readers had plenty to say…