The Hills Market opening downtown store

Over the last two decades, The Hills Market has become a Worthington institution of sorts.

Considering the specialty grocer carries more than 2,500 Ohio-made products, more than 4,000 wine labels, and tens of thousands of specialty items, it’s not hard to see why. And on March 19 it will expand its reach with the grand opening of a second location at 95 N. Grant Ave. in downtown Columbus.

“We couldn’t think of a better 20th birthday present to ourselves: the ability to provide stellar product and customer service to a part of town that needs a market,” says Jill Moorhead, spokeswoman for The Hills Market.

Though the downtown store will be smaller than the Worthington store (12,000 square feet versus 16,800 square feet), it will have almost the same amount of product.

“We are able to do this because we will not have a State Liquor Agency like the Worthington location and we will not have a full-service floral counter,” Moorhead says.

However, the new store will have:

• • a dairy department featuring several products from Ohio-based companies, such as Smith Dairy and Snowville Creamery

• • a bakery featuring more than 25 local vendors, including Dan the Baker, Pattycake Bakery, and Sassafras Bakery

• • a frozen food section featuring products by local producers Luna Burger and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

• • a full-service butcher shop

• • a seafood counter featuring a variety of options that are delivered daily

• • a deli featuring meats roasted in house, as well as Boar’s Head deli meats and cheeses, and made-to-order sandwiches

• • a 16-foot salad bar featuring veggies, toppings, and housemade soups

• • a selection of sushi made in house daily

When it came to building out the downtown store, The Hills Market made a conscious effort to work with local designers, artisans and tradesmen, including: