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New Brandon market touts supersize savings

Tribune photo by LAURA FRAZIER

Cashier Harli Horbelt helped serve samples during the grand opening of GFS Marketplace at 730 Brandon Boulevard. Taste samples, special sales and prize raffles will continue through June 20.

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By LAURA FRAZIER

lfrazier@tampatrib.com

Published: June 16, 2009

BRANDON - Cost-conscious consumers can find bulk bargains at a new store where some say a 2,000-count box of Splenda for $40.49 is a sweet deal and the value of a 3-pound can of Campbell's soup is mmm, mmm good.

GFS Marketplace, the retail storefront division of distributor Gordon Food Service, opened June 1 at 730 Brandon Blvd., east of Bryan Road. The 13,000-square-foot store is stocked with grocery and food service items in large packages, sold individually or by the case. There are national brands and specialty products - everything from meat, seafood and dairy to fresh produce, baked goods and tabletop supplies.

The market, one of three in the Tampa Bay area and 130 across the country, caters to individuals, groups and businesses who buy in bulk to cook for a crowd or to save a few bucks. The deals are similar to those found at Costco or Sam's Club, but GFS is open to the public and does not charge a membership fee. And it doesn't sell patio furniture, CDs or televisions - it's all about restaurant-quality food.

Ivette Vestfal shopped for her family during the store's soft opening last week.

"It's a perfect place to shop for a party or a family reunion," Vestfal said.

Robert Hodge, a Gordon Food Service product specialist, prepared and served free product samples last week at the store. He said shoppers were asking how much each dish cost to prepare per serving.

"Everyone is trying to save money these days," Hodge said.

The grand opening, free tastings and drawings will run through Friday. Store hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. For information, call (813) 681-9871 or go to www.gfs.com.

Reporter Laura Frazier can be reached at (813) 627-4767.

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