Wynn’s Market Returns to 5th Avenue South
November 15, 2019
Naples’ Oldest Independent Grocery Store Returns to its Roots for 46th Annual Christmas Walk & Tree Lighting Festivities.
Naples, FL: (November 15, 2019) . . . Wynn’s Market is coming back on 5th Avenue South!
For one-day-only, Naples’ oldest, family-owned independent grocery store is returning to its roots on 5th Avenue South to contribute a pop-up “mini” Wynn’s Market as part of the 46th annual Christmas in Naples celebration according to Bruce Barone, Jr., executive director of the 5th Avenue South Business Improvement District (BID).
“Wynn’s Market is an 80-year old Naples tradition rich with history and one of Naples’ most iconic, trusted and revered family businesses in Collier County,” says Barone, Jr. “We are delighted the family has agreed to return to its roots on 5th Avenue South for our Christmas in Naples celebration,” he adds.
The legendary family owned grocery store is well known for offering customer great personal service and unique items unavailable in large chain stores. Wynn’s Market plans to bring back to 5th Avenue South its expanded line of gourmet foods, “from scratch” fine bakery items of international delicacies, American classics and Wynn favorites from founder Annie Wynn’s own recipes to the Sugden Plaza including one for Fit for a King cake, which became famous for at family gatherings.
In addition, wine and spirits, unique Italian products with olive oils and varietals, and gluten-free options as well as many popular to-go items from the deli, specialty Christmas gift items and a wide variety of Christmas ornaments will be offered. Catering and gift basket orders will also be available to assist residents and visitors with their holiday party planning. The pop-up Wynn’s Market will be open Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 am until 10 pm at the Sudgen Plaza located at 701 5th Avenue South.
“We are delighted to return to 5th Avenue South for the annual Christmas celebration where our family’s legacy has been preserved within the Wynn Building and the Plaza that leads to the Naples Players,” says Jeff Wynn, grandson of founder Don Q. Wynn and current president of Wynn Properties and president of the 5th Avenue South BID. “The Key lime cake, Coca-Cola cake, Hershey bar cake and coconut cake are all made from my family’s recipes and ideal for holiday get-togethers, so our “pop-up” market on 5th Avenue South is simply another way Wynn’s Market provides superior and convenient service to our customers,” he continues.
Wynn’s Market started in Naples back in 1938 as a small inn for Depression-era travelers who took the train from New York to Miami. After the end of the second World War in 1948, the building was transformed from the inn into the first modern grocery store for the community of less than 600. Naples’ first modern grocery store was then located at the northeast corner of 7th Street and 5th Avenue South (where Yabba’s restaurant is today). The 1,000 square foot store was considered a bold move, as 5th Avenue South had just been zoned for commercial uses and looked like a ghost town. In 1953, the Wynn family built a grocery store twice as big on 5th Avenue, on the other side of the parking lot. That building was home to Wynn’s Family Market for almost 50 years. A larger store was built at 141 Ninth St. N., where it still sits today, only bigger after several expansions. The grocer’s last building on 5th Avenue eventually became home to another Wynn family enterprise, Sunshine Ace Hardware that turned 60 earlier this year.
This year’s Christmas in Naples is a two-day celebration Dec. 6 & 7, offering the city’s official Christmas tree, a live Nativity scene, an operatic concert, snow, ice skating and skate rentals, a visit from Santa, and a new culinary tradition: on-street Long Table dining with several of 5th Avenue South’s finest restaurants. A day-long Christmas Market on Saturday will bring over 100 traders and artisans where visitors can explore products from all around the world and enjoy unique shopping experiences while enjoying international food, beverages and performances at the outdoor.
RSVP with participating restaurants for seating at the Long-Table that spans down the double yellow line along 5th Avenue South – it’s Naples loveliest dining table, one that runs more than five blocks and be ready to make some wonderful memories, collect a specialty souvenir, and get into the holiday spirit Naples-style.
For more information, visit www.fifthavenuesouth.com or call (239) 692-8436
