PHOTO GALLERY: Tour the New Freshies Prototype

ELLSWORTH, Maine — Previously reserved by R.H. Foster Energy LLC for its deli concept, the Freshies moniker is now taking on an expanded, starring role at the company's convenience stores. 

Opened for business on July 21 and located on the corner of Elm and High streets in Ellsworth, the foodservice-focused Freshies prototype not only ushers in a new c-store design for the Hampden, Maine-based company, but also a whole new brand for its convenience stores. It is the first location to be completely branded as Freshies — and is step No. 1 in a new five-year plan for R.H. Foster, Brenda Gerow, the company's executive manager, told Convenience Store News.

Freshies' customers can craft their own healthy smoothies with kale, goji berries and flax seeds, and customize gourmet, made-to-order pizzas like fig and prosciutto, or brie and spinach. Those crunched for time can choose from Freshies' selection of fresh grab-and-go sandwiches and salads, or they can go the more traditional route and pick up a breakfast sandwich or a whoopie pie.

The Ellsworth store will serve as the model for future store replacements and store renovations. A second Freshies store is expected to open this fall at the corner of State Street and Broadway in Bangor, Maine. All future new stores will be branded as Freshies.

Click on the galleries below to go inside the first-ever Freshies store.