PORT ST. LUCIE – The wait is finally over for the grand opening of a highly anticipated neighborhood grocery store. Dayly’s Farm Market opened on Saturday to hundreds of people who lined up to score a free shopping bag and get a first glimpse of a farm style market.

Co-owners Phil Caliri and Eric Lin were amazed at the crowds. “It was crazy,” Caliri said. “The line was around the building, we never expected to be that busy. It’s amazing how everyone is supporting us.”

The lines at the registers were also long, sometimes reaching the back of the interior. Carts were full as shoppers took advantage of the low prices in many departments. “People are asking if these prices are just for today; no, we will have great deals every day,” Caliri said.

Lin said the store will offer pallet deals. “Ever since the rising inflation, people are budgeting more. We understand that. We’re going to be the more affordable grocery store.”

Bins were full of brightly colored fresh fruits and vegetables, most of them locally grown. The Old Fashioned Butcher Shop and fresh fish department were busy as butchers took orders for custom cuts. “We cut a lot of our own fish and meat,” Caliri explained. “We have five butchers working.”

When fully staffed, Caliri expects to have a total of 60 employees. The 22,000 square foot store has typical grocery departments along with some unexpected ones. Among some of the offerings were fresh coffee beans, locally sourced honey, handmade “sudders” (ice cream sundaes), ready to eat pizza, calzones and strombolis, as well as freshly baked breads, pastries, pies and quiches. The store will offer locally brewed craft beer, fine wines, and homemade soups in the near future.

Customer Andy Andres was excited about the new store. “It’s really lovely,” he said while sampling coconut water and other beverages. “They really changed the building from what it was. It’s much more lively.”

Dayly’s Farm Market is located at 464 SW Port St. Lucie Blvd. in the Coco Vista Center Plaza. Their hours of operation are Mon. – Sat. 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. and closed Sundays.