Jamie and Jilea Hemmings’ quest to revolutionize the food industry started as a labor of love for their child. When their oldest son was diagnosed with autism, the couple began looking for healthier eating options for their children. Discouraged by the lack of wholesome products, the couple began developing their own line of organic, vegan children’s food items called Green Tots.
Believing everyone should have access to wholesome, nutritious, food choices, Jilea and Jamie recently opened Nourish + Bloom Market, in the Town of Trilith, the first autonomous grocery store with robotic delivery in the U.S., and the first black-owned autonomous grocery store in the world! All their products are carefully selected for superior ingredients, are minimally processed, and do not contain any high fructose corn syrup or GMOs (genetically modified organisms). You will find an array of locally-sourced craft items, such as meats, plant-based products, produce, baked goods, dairy, prepared meals and everyday household items. The couple hopes to add their own line of Green Tots products in the future.
Native New Yorkers who moved to McDonough to be closer to a family member with health issues, the couple learned about the charming Town of Trilith, in Fayetteville, when their three sons started attending The Forest School in Trilith, and decided it was the perfect spot to open their new business venture.
The vision for the unique Nourish + Bloom concept was born out of the pandemic, when people became more cautious about handling items and waiting in lines in close contact with others. According to Jamie and Jilea, 87% of shoppers now prefer to shop touchless.
The Hemmings combined cutting-edge technology with wholesome foods and personal service to create a relaxing shopping experience that allows you to select food and exit the store without standing in a checkout line or handling a credit card or cash. You simply download the Nourish + Bloom app and then enter your payment information. To enter the market portion of the store, you then scan the QR code at the turnstile and begin shopping. Thirty cameras and weighted shelves track your selections, and your payment is processed as you leave the store, sending an e-receipt by phone. No lines, no waiting – all touchless. This seamless concept is three times quicker than checkout at a traditional grocery store. Jilea and Jamie hope that less time waiting in lines will give customers more community time to engage in conversation with the staff and others shopping in the store.
A futuristic delivery service is also available if you live within three miles of the store. When you enter Nourish + Bloom you will notice two loveable robots (aptly named “Nourish” and “Bloom”) at the entrance to the store to greet you and provide delivery service. Just place items in one of the robot’s temperature-controlled basket, scan your app, and off he goes!
Even if you don’t have groceries to pick up, you will want to stop by Nourish + Bloom to enjoy The Bistro, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. As part of an extensive breakfast menu, the Hemmings offer authentic New York bagels and the popular British-based Costa coffee. The lunch menu includes signature sandwiches, like Philly cheesesteak, soups, salads and desserts. You can pick up a dinner bowl for the evening.
According to Jamie, “Our staff is friendly, our products are clean, and our prepared food in The Bistro is delicious. We have great chefs. We want to connect with you as a community. We have put our entire life into this store. It is our passion.” The Hemmings plan to expand Nourish + Bloom Market in the Atlanta area and eventually across the country. It the legacy they want to leave for their sons.
Nourish + Bloom Market is located at 300 Trilith Pkwy., Suite #250 and is open Monday – Thursday from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday – Saturday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Shortly, they will expand the market hours to be open 24/7 for your shopping convenience. For further information, go to nourishandbloommarket.com.
