A Local Showcase
By David Walton | Photos by Evermore Photo Co.
In developing the new Redstone Market, it was important to owners Adam Carmean, John Cown and Mark Mazzawi to reflect on and borrow from the history of the Redstone Grocery. Fifty years ago, the Redstone Grocery was located close to where the new Redstone Market would open on Highway 129 just northwest of Athens.
After the concept was formulated for the new market, the owners worked closely with the historical Redstone Grocery to enhance their nostalgic vision, including a display with the antique Redstone signage inside the building. Carmean, Cown and Mazzawi’s new Redstone Market brings together concepts including a butcher shop, hot bar and grocery store under one roof.
Although several aspects of the new Redstone reflect its location and history, the market has distinctive signature offerings and flavors. Products like raw milk, jams, meats and grocery items from local farms differentiate them from other local markets. Redstone also focuses on community-minded details, such as a “Find Cow-A-Bunga” special for kids. If kids find the plush cow hidden in the store, they receive a free mini ice cream.
When it came time to find experts in their field, the ownership team hand selected operations specialist Philip McWhirter and Head Chef Kory Depaola. McWhirter brings a wealth of knowledge in grocery management and has been integral in ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly. Depaola provides expertise in menu development, and he is the creator of breakfast and lunch specialties from the hot bar, called The Smokehouse.
Intending for The Smokehouse to reflect the selections of Redstone’s signature butcher shop, Depaola got to work developing a unique menu. He mentioned that a favorite Smokehouse item is their wildly popular Redstone chicken biscuit. The Redstone scratch-made biscuit features their specialty bacon jam over fried chicken and homemade pimento cheese. The powerful trio of flavors keeps customers returning for breakfast. The Smokehouse also serves lunch, including items such as a Brisket Philly and Smash Burger.
While The Smokehouse is a huge part of the operation, the butcher shop stands on its own with a rotating selection of fresh seafood, including seasonal items such as wahoo, black grouper, amberjack, gulf oysters and red snapper. Carmean feels like selections such as Wagyu beef and fresh-ground sausage set them apart. Redstone’s Wagyu compares favorably to Australian Wagyu according to Carmean.
The team at Redstone works with farms such as teXga Farms and North Georgia Meat Company to provide quality local products, and they are always open to additional local offerings. Learn more at redstonemarket.com.
