Matt and Lindsay Moberg developed their new business, The Mini Market, with Downtown office workers at the top of their minds.
“It started from Matt knowing that people needed another option Downtown for just their basic needs,” Lindsay Moberg said, adding that when deciding what products to stock in the shop, “We wanted to think like office workers down here.”
The result is a hotel snack nook combined with a convenience store combined with a locally sourced gift shop all in one storefront at 233 N. Hogan St., at the corner of Hogan and Monroe streets.
The Mini Market, which held its grand opening Dec. 2, was designed to provide Downtown commuters and visitors alike with packaged breakfast and lunch grocery items, snacks, bottled beverages and other foods that workers could take back to their offices or pick up for the drive home.
In addition, the store sells decorative items, packaged coffee from Jacksonville-based Condaxis Coffee & Tea, dog treats, potted plants and other gifts.
Matt Moberg said the concept for the Mini Market was to create a convenience store with a warmer, less commercial atmosphere. For Downtown workers, it’s an alternative to the office vending machine or the small number of convenience stores in the core.
Grocery items include single-serve cereals and oatmeal bowls, breakfast bars, microwavable soups and instant ramen. Snacks include packaged nuts, beef jerky, chips and microwave popcorn. The store also offers candy, gum, snack drinks and bottled water.
Other items are reminiscent of a corner grocery or drug store, such as toiletries, bottled condiments and cleaning supplies.
In another difference between The Mini Market and a traditional convenience store, many of the items are placed behind a counter as opposed to being self-serve.
Lindsay said that since the shop opened in November, customers who have stopped by have told her that the establishment is “not like a convenience store – it’s more homey.”
Matt, who previously operated the Back to the Grind Downtown coffee shop in The Mini Market space, is planning to open a new breakfast and lunch spot in early 2025 at Julia and Adams streets.
As for the Mini Market, the Mobergs plan to soon add a grab-and-go counter offering salad wraps, fresh-cut fruits and other carry-out items.
Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday, with tentative plans to extend the weekday hours and be open Saturdays.