Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Hosts Pikeville Fresh Market Ribbon Cutting

PIKEVILLE, KY (May 5, 2025) — The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce proudly hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony Monday, May 5, 2025, to celebrate the grand opening of Pikeville Fresh Market. Newly refurbished, Pikeville Fresh Market is bringing fresh, high-quality food options to the heart of downtown Pikeville. Local leaders, Chamber members, and community residents gathered to welcome the new business, which aims to provide a convenient and affordable shopping experience for everyone.

Pikeville Fresh Market is the sixth grocery store owned and operated by Cox Food Group; a company rooted in over 50 years of family tradition in the Eastern Kentucky grocery industry. Tate Cox, whose father began the family’s first grocery business in the 1970s, is now carrying on the legacy of customer care, community involvement, and quality food that has defined their brand for generations.

“Our mission is simple: to serve the people of Eastern Kentucky with a fresh, clean, family-friendly grocery store and everyday low prices,” said Cox. “This location, close to the University, the hospital, and downtown, felt like a perfect fit for us. We want to be a part of Pikeville’s growth and offer an easy-to-shop, community-oriented store where customers feel known and appreciated.”

Pikeville Fresh Market specializes in perishable departments, offering hand-cut meats, fresh produce, and a popular hot deli. The store carries both big-name brands and cost-effective private label items, providing a wide range of options to fit every household’s needs. With a strong focus on customer service, the team is committed to going above and beyond — whether that means helping carry out groceries, lifting heavy items, or ordering special products by request.

In addition to celebrating the grand opening, Cox expressed gratitude to the Velocity Market family, who previously served Pike County residents at this location. “We’re thankful for the opportunity to carry on the legacy they built here,” Cox said.

Cox Food Group was recently honored with the 2023 IGA USA Retailer of the Year Award and the Exceptional Independents Award from the Shelby Report, further underscoring their commitment to excellence and community impact.

As Pikeville Fresh Market begins its new chapter, Cox remains focused on the core values instilled by his late father, who passed away in 2022 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. “He had a reputation for being a kind and generous person,” Cox shared. “It means the world to me when people say they worked with him 30 years ago and still remember his character. That’s the kind of legacy we’re working hard to continue — one that helps people and communities grow every day.”