Nourish + Bloom Market, World's First Black-Owned Autonomous Grocery Store, Opens In Fayetteville

FAYETTEVILLE, Ga. (CW69 News at 10) -- Nourish + Bloom Market, a new grocery store in Fayetteville, is now the first Black-owned autonomous grocery store in the world. The owners were excited about the community's support at Friday's grand opening.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew a large crowd of happy supporters. Customers downloaded the Nourish + Bloom app and scanned their way inside the store.

"It's very unique. I'm here with my daughter and my wife, and we're just down here just taking in the sights," said Eugene Kendrick, an Ellenwood resident.

There was a lot to see, including shelves crowded with healthy items, a bistro serving up hot meals and robots that deliver orders up to three miles away.

Founders Jamie Hemmings and Jilea Hemmings say their autistic son inspired them to open the store.

"We said, instead of just thinking about meals for him, lets bring a full market where everyone has access to healthy meals," Jilea Hemmings said.

They're leaving a legacy for their family with this technology-infused shopping option. Customers use their app to buy items in the store.

"Once you pick up that item, you can just leave the store, and you don't have to use a checkout terminal," said Jamie Hemmings.

"I'm so excited that they have brought this ingenious grocery store to the Southern Crescent, I mean, the technology behind it," said Southern Crescent Women In Business Founder and President Ariel Shaw.

"Coming from where we were to this point right here, it's just an amazing moment," Jamie Hemmings said.

The owners said they plan to open up to 800 locations and franchises around the country.