Sharon Farm Market to open in former Trotta's

SHARON — One year and two months after Trotta’s market shut down (following a 25-year run at the Sharon shopping plaza), a new store is  poised to take its place.

This week, Dee Dee (Donovan) Mandino, whose family owns the shopping center, announced that the Sharon Farm Market will open sometime this spring, possibly as early as May.

Opening a new market in the space will be Chris and Annie Choe, who currently own and operate two grocery stores, both called The Green Wagon Market, and the Midori Sushi Restaurant, all on Long Island in New York.

Annie Choe said the stores in Long Island will be sold, to make it possible for them to manage and operate the Sharon Farm Market. They will continue to own and operate the restaurant.

“I fell in love with Sharon,� Annie Choe said. “In the Bible, there’s a song called ‘The Rose of Sharon.’ It talks about how Sharon’s land is blessed from God. That’s part of the reason why I fell in love with it.�

Mandino said she is happy and satisfied that a new store will occupy the vacant space at the plaza.

“It’s been a long haul to get here,� Mandino said. “It’s going to be fabulous.�

According to Mandino, the Choes plan to have a bakery, a butcher and a fishmonger on the premises.

The market will also include a sushi bar, Asian to-go eatery and dishes prepared at the Midori Sushi Restaurant and delivered to the market.

“They will carry grocery store items, including milk and eggs,� Mandino said. “However, there will be less of a focus on non-perishable items, including canned foods and snacks.�

Mandino would not say how long the Choes have the lease for. She also would not reveal financial details. She did say that the market will take up the whole store space and will not be subdivided for another tenant.

Annie Choe said she is planning to hire local residents to work at the store and said it is a possibility that they may purchase goods from local farmers and vendors.

“I really hope people like us,� she said. “This is my first time doing business in the countryside and I’m a little scared. The lifestyle is different, and I’m pretty sure people and the technology are different. We will definitely try our best.�

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