Lucky’s Market Opened its first Ohio Location [photos]Lucky’s Market Opened its first Ohio Location [photos]

Ohio has a new source of natural and specialty foods: Colorado-based Lucky’s Market opened its first store in the Buckeye State this week at 2770 N. High St., just north of Arcadia Avenue in the Clintonville area. Opening day was highlighted by a donation to the Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center (CRC). Festivities took place over the weekend including a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the presentation of Lucky’s $10,000 donation to the CRC and remarks by invited VIP, on the first day. Following that was game-day themed samples, a Tailgating Party and a day outdoors with face painting, live music and nationally celebrated Columbus local Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream Truck. Lucky’s Columbus is marking its first four weeks of being open with weekly “5% days,” on which five percent of that day’s total net sales go to a local school. The beneficiary schools are Clinton Elementary (Oct. 29), Helping Hands Center Autism School (Nov. 5), Dominion Middle School (Nov. 12) and Indianola Informal Alternative K-8 (Nov. 19). The Ohio store is the third for Lucky’s. Founders Bo and Trish Sharon met in culinary school and founded the independent grocery in 2003 to provide a new “foodie” shopping experience. Columbus shoppers can find a wide selection of organic, specialty and gluten-free selections, as well as house-made deli items, in-house cured and smoked bacon, local produce, fresh meats and seafood and a bakery. “Just as we invite guests into our home, we invite our customers into our stores with the goal of creating a memorable experience,” says Trish Sharon. “As food lovers ourselves, we would want to shop at a store built on quality products, sold at affordable prices with genuine personal service.” Bo Sharon says, “We are excited to bring affordable natural foods to Columbus. As trained culinary professionals and downright foodies, we imagine our stores as an oasis of health, kindness and support. We strive to be active in the community, and look forward to providing a new taste and experience to bring home to your kitchen. “We seek out local, sustainable and traditionally made foods produced with passion, values and community. We hold these three core values close to our hearts,” Bo adds. Check out photos from Lucky's Columbus, Ohio Grand Opening weekend. [portfolio_slideshow id=22917]