Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Adam's Nice and Fresh Market combines old standbys, new ideas

Clara Garcia News-Bulletin Staff Writer; cgarcia@news-bulletin.com

Belen When Frank Khalil bought Adam's Nice and Fresh Market seven months ago, he understood exactly what customers of the longstanding grocery store expected.

Not only are Khalil and his employees making sure that their regulars are well taken care of with the service they expect, but the market is also offering new and innovative ideas to attract new customers. Khalil said he's still offering quality meats and produce that have always been a staple at Adam's. The business is located at 804 S. Main St.

Khalil and his family are no strangers to the grocery and fast food business. He says he brings many years of experience with him to Belen and hopes that the business will be a success.

"We've always been in the grocery business," Khalil said of his family history in the industry. "In 1998, we opened the first grocery business in New York. Then we moved into fast food restaurants."

After Khalil and his wife, Amanda, were married, the couple relocated to Florida where he opened another grocery store and gas station. He said that, a few years later, his brother, who lives in Albuquerque and owns two restaurants — Sahara and Times Square Deli — told him about New Mexico and convinced him to move west.

"He was doing great here and told me to move out," Khalil said. "It's a great little town, and the people are really nice. We came here to do what we've always done."

Khalil said the opportunity to purchase Adam's Market was exactly what he was looking for. He said he hopes that some of the changes he's established in the store will make customers come back for more.

Realizing that the price of gas and food has increased in the past year or so, Khalil said he is doing the best he can to make sure that his customers get a fair deal. He said because Adams Nice and Fresh is a one-stop shop, he believes he can offer his customers savings.

"In a month or so, we'll be getting a big digital sign for out front," Khalil said. "We're going to try to sell gas for cost price or cheaper than anybody else.

"Most of what we're doing has already been established by the previous owner, and we'll keep doing that," he added. "For instance, we'll keep the fresh meat and the prices will probably go down a little more to help with the economy."

Not only is Khalil making sure that customers get only the best cuts of meat, he says his produce section is stocked with only the freshest of fruits and vegetables.

Since buying the market seven months ago, Khalil has been settling into his new business and into the community. He says he will be holding a grand opening in about a month or so.

He said while he wants to keep his regulars and make them happy, he's also hoping some of the changes, including a whole new aisle dedicated to Spanish food and a freshly brewed coffee every morning, will attract new customers.

"Some people don't like change, but sometimes changes can be for the better, and people need changes in their lives," he said. "We'll keep some things the same, but we're just improving it."

Another new feature at Adam's Nice and Fresh is a hot table with a new special every day, three different kinds of breakfast burritos and rotisserie chicken.

With chile season in full swing, Adam's Nice and Fresh is also selling Hatch green chile and roasting it for $22.99 for a 30-pound sack.

"This is a family-owned-and-operated business, and our No. 1 goal is to keep our customers happy and coming back," Khalil said.

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