Convenience stores aren’t supposed to carry locally grown, organic kale and free-range chicken.

But The Farmacy, which recently opened in the North Quarter Market in Downtown Orlando, isn’t a typical quick-stop shop.

Uncured hot dogs, local eggs from Lake Meadow Naturals in Ocoee, organic carrots, jars of organic grits, Amish butter, organic banana chips, raw pickles and raw honey are just some of the more than 250 items sold inside the new gourmet grocery store.

The Farmacy is one of three new retailers inside North Quarter Market, located at 885 North Orange Avenue [GMap]. The 2,200 SF shop on North Orange Avenue between Marks Street and Colonial Drive is on the bottom floor of NORA Apartments in the space formerly occupied by Coffee Culture. More on Coffee Culture’s eviction HERE.

The Farmacy soft opened earlier this month. A grand opening celebration is being planned for later this year.

Downtown Credo and artisan popsicle maker The Pop Parlour also operate at North Quarter Market.

Robby Clay, who co-owns The Farmacy with his wife Cathy, told me that the new store gives downtown Orlando residents a neighborhood place to buy local, organic produce and meats.

The shop carries many organic items from Central Florida farms. The produce will change “depending on the season,” Clay said. Broccoli, onions and greens are in season now.  The store also carries fresh juices, grab-and-go sandwiches and condiments like barbecue sauce and mustard.

This is The Farmacy’s second location in Central Florida. The Clays opened their first location in downtown Winter Garden in 2015.

The Farmacy’s new downtown Orlando location takes up roughly half of the space at North Quarter Market. Downtown Credo and its micro-café, which seats about 15 people, take up the other half. (The Pop Parlour popsicles are sold out of a cooler.)

Like the other three Credo locations in Central Florida, the North Quarter Market location features its donations-based price model.

The Farmacy is open noon to 6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. WednesdayFriday and 9 a.m to 4 p.m. on Saturday. The store is closed Sunday.

Downtown Credo is open 7 a.m-6 p.m. Monday–Friday and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday. Credo is closed on Sunday.

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Jon Busdeker

Jon Busdeker is a freelance journalist and videographer. He lives in College Park and is a co-host of "Bungalower and The Bus." Check out his website at www.jonbusdeker.com.

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