SMALL OPERATOR
Seriously Fresh Neon Marketplace focuses on high-quality foodservice in New England By Renée M. Covino
in a technology-driven atmosphere is the beacon of Neon Marketplace, a new prototype that aims to “dynamically change the perception of convenience stores.”
PREMIUM FOOD
Based in Providence, R.I., Neon Marketplace takes fresh food — its primary core competency — very seriously, especially the word “fresh.” “We’re very conscious of the fact that a lot of convenience stores have [touted] a fresh kitchen, fresh food, fresh everything. Some do it well, some don’t. It’s a tough perception to fight for as an industry,” said Peter Rasmussen, director of operations for the budding chain with four locations in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. “The word ‘fresh’ is somewhat bastardized in this channel,” added
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Elise Babey, senior manager of product development at Neon Marketplace. “Our ‘fresh’ vs. someone else’s, there’s a big difference. And I’ve made it my goal to let the food do the talking.” In fact, Neon Marketplace could be considered a multifaceted quick-service restaurant (QSR), according to Babey, who cited its brick oven pizza program, made-to-order kitchen, sandwich program, hot express breakfast program, and “robust” barista program featuring customized espresso drinks and bean-to-cup coffee. “We take the concept and model of a quick-service restaurant, but we’re four of them — all-encompassing — under a food and energy marketplace,” she said.
Crafting the Perfect Pizza The pizza is “front and center” at Neon Marketplace’s two full-concept stores, which opened in December of last year and January of this year, one in Rhode Island and the other in Massachusetts. (There are also two Neon Marketplace Express stores, both in Rhode Island, which launched the brand in 2020 as “acquisition stores,” according to